Simulate flowing lava with a fake exploding volcano project.
Homemade volcanoes are a two-part project, as the volcano needs to be built then the explosion needs to be created. The project works well for a science fair or an afterschool activity. Children are able to complete the project and explode the volcano with minimal adult assistance.
Instructions
1. Make the frame of the volcano with the wire and empty bottle. Bend and tape the wire to the tray base and extend it up to the bottle neck to create a conical shape around the bottle. The bottle will be in the center and the wire will extend from the neck of the bottle downward at a slant toward the base.
2. Mix the flour and water to make a paper mache paste. Use shredded pieces of paper to cover the wire frame completely with paper mache. Layer the volcano only two to three times with paper. The volcano does not have to dry between layers. After the second or third layer, let the volcano dry overnight.
3. Prepare for a mess by laying towels underneath the volcano or moving the craft outside. Add two tablespoons full of baking soda to the bottle inside the volcano. Follow with a tablespoon of dish soap.
4. Drop five drops each of red and yellow food coloring to the bottle. Add one liquid ounce of vinegar to the volcano and watch it instantly explode.
Tags: paper mache, volcano with, with paper
