Explosive volcano models can be a fun activity to do by yourself or with kids, and can also make for a great science project. Volcano models are small-scale versions that represent real-life volcanoes in shape and structure. By using a few household items, you can create a chemical reaction that will cause an eruption very similar to that of a real volcano. For safety reasons, adult supervision is necessary when creating a volcanic explosion.
Instructions
1. Lay out newspaper to work on top of. Place a cookie tray on top of the laid-out newspaper; make sure the area of newspaper is larger than your cookie tray. Cut the cardboard to fit inside of the cookie tray. The cardboard will act as the platform for your volcano and the cookie tray will enclose the volcanic eruption.
2. Cut the neck off the 16-oz. bottle at a slight angle. Glue the bottle to the middle of the cardboard and let it dry for 45 minutes to an hour. The bottle will hold the chemical reaction for the explosion and will also be used as the base to mold the clay into the shape of a volcano.
3. Add 4 drops of red food coloring, 1/2 cup of vinegar and 3 drops of dishwashing detergent to the bottle using a funnel when the glue has fully dried.
4. Begin molding you volcano using clay. Start by creating a wide base around the plastic bottle. As you move up the plastic bottle, start making the volcano more narrow. You want a wide base and narrow top. Do not cover the top of the plastic bottle's opening. Volcanoes are naturally bumpy, so try not to make the clay smooth.
5. Leave the clay to dry overnight. Once the clay is completely dry, begin painting the volcano brown. You can paint small trees on the bottom or even add snow on top. Allow the paint to dry, which can also be an overnight process.
6. Using a measuring spoon, add 1 tbsp. of baking soda and watch the volcano erupt explosively.
Tags: cookie tray, plastic bottle, chemical reaction, cookie tray cardboard, tray cardboard, wide base
