Looking for a science activity that’s messy, exciting, and educational? This classic baking soda volcano is easy to set up, thrilling to watch, and teaches kids about chemical reactions in a fun, hands-on way!
🧰 What You’ll Need:
-
Small disposable cup
-
Playdough (or model with a cup alone)
-
Baking soda
-
Vinegar
-
Red food coloring
📝 How to Build & Erupt It
-
Create the base: Place a half-cut disposable cup (about 2" tall) on a mound of playdough and shape it into a volcano peak around the cup.
-
Add the reaction: Outside or on a tray, spoon baking soda into the cup.
-
Add some lava: Mix vinegar and red food coloring in a separate container.
-
Watch it erupt: Pour the colored vinegar into the cup and get ready for a fizzy lava show!
Kids love repeating the experiment, eager to mix and pour multiple times—until giggles take over.
🔬 Why It Works:
The mix of baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) produces carbon dioxide gas, which bubbles out of the volcano like real lava. It’s a kid-safe example of cause and effect—and science magic in action kindercare.com.
👨👩👧👦 Learning Through Play:
-
STEM fun: Kids experiment with reactions and change variables.
-
Fine motor skills: Scooping, pouring, and building helps with coordination.
-
Imaginative play: Pretend you’re a geologist, a dinosaur explorer—or just soak in the eruption!
✅ Pro Tips & Extensions:
-
Skip the sculpture: Try simply piling baking soda on a tray and pouring colored vinegar—less prep, same excitement.
-
Extend learning: Read a volcano-themed book afterward and link the fun to real-world science.
-
Get creative: Add dish soap to make foamy explosions—great for dramatics!
📚 Credit:
Adapted from Happy Brown House by Sara McClure. Instructions are based on her tutorial. This version uses simple materials like paper cups, playdough, baking soda, vinegar, and red food coloring—so it’s easy to replicate at home or in a classroom
weknowstuff.us.com+10happybrownhouse.com+10happybrownhouse.com+10.
Turn your kitchen into a lab with this easy volcano project—perfect for a rainy day, home school STEM session, or backyard science party!