How to Build an Erupting Volcano
Have fun and make a mess, all in the name of science.
Instructions
- Step 1: Make clay Make homemade clay by mixing the flour and salt in a bowl, and then adding water until the mixture is smooth in consistency.
- Step 2: Center bottle Center the bottle on the baking sheet.
- TIP: Cut a piece of cardboard so it fits in the baking pan, and glue the bottle to it. You can paint this cardboard to match the volcano.
- Step 3: Shape volcano Shape the clay around the bottle to make it look like a volcano. Start at the bottom, creating a wide base, and work toward the top. Make sure to leave the mouth open.
- Step 4: Paint the volcano Paint the volcano with the acrylic paint to make it look more realistic.
- TIP: Decorate the base of the volcano with toy trees to add more life.
- Step 5: Add liquids Pour the vinegar, red food coloring, and a few drops of dishwashing detergent into the bottle.
- Step 6: Add baking soda Fold the baking soda into a tissue and drop it into the bottle, and watch in wonder as your volcano erupts.
- FACT: Did you know? When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, the eruption caused the mountain’s elevation to drop 1,314 feet.
You Will Need
- 6 c. flour
- 2 c. salt
- 1 c. water
- Small plastic bottle
- Baking sheet
- Acrylic paint
- Paint brushes
- 1/2 c. vinegar
- 1 tsp. red food coloring
- Dishwashing detergent
- Tissue
- 3-4 tbsp. baking soda
- Cardboard (optional)
- Glue (optional)
- Toy trees (optional)