When you think about an elementary school science project, what is the first thing that comes to mind? A baking soda volcano! I remember making one out of salt dough and painting it to look awesome and then being amazed when I got to watch it erupt.
My boys have had a major case of “I’m Bored” syndrome since school has been out so today I decided to make an easy baking soda volcano. No salt dough or painting involved. Just some simple supplies that you probably have around the house.
Easy Baking Soda Volcano
Supplies needed:
- Paper plate
- Paper or plastic cup
- aluminum foil
- tape
- scissors
- large cookie sheet
- 2 TBLS water
- red food coloring
- 2 TBLS Baking soda
- 4 TBLS White Vinegar
Step 1: Tape the cup to the center of the paper plate.
Step 2:Cover the cup and plate with a piece of foil and fold the foil around all of the edges of the plate.
Step 3: Cut an X in the top of the foil and fold down the tabs and tape them to the inside of the cup.
Step 4: Put your volcano in the center of a large cookie sheet and add the water, baking soda and several drops of red food coloring into the cup.
Step 5: Slowly pour in the vinegar.
Step 6: Watch your volcano erupt again and again. My boys continued to make the volcano erupt until we were out of vinegar and baking soda. And as soon as I buy more, I’m sure they’ll be at it again.
This is a great simple science project because it is easy to do and easy to explain. I told my boys a little about what an acid and a base is and that the “eruption” is what happens in an acid/base reaction. The chemical reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid) produces carbon dioxide gas, which forms bubbles, making the volcano erupt.
Simple, yet fascinating to little kids.
If your kids love simple science projects and liked this baking soda volcano, they would love our post on Growing Crystals.
What are you doing to keep “I’m Bored” syndrome away at your house?
About Kara
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Jenn saysHow cool! Ya know, I’ve NEVER made a baking soda volcano…or any kind of volcano. But I’d be perfectly happy to live the rest of my life without ever making another salt dough map of the U.S.! 😉
I’ve shared on FB, G+, tweeted, and pinned 🙂Reply
- Kara says
I can’t believe you never made a baking soda volcano! I know what you’ll be doing tonight. 😉 Just as fun for mom as the kids!
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- Melissa says
I love this! I pinned it for when my toddler is a little older 🙂
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- Kara says
Thanks so much for sharing! My boys loved this.
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- Ashley says
That’s a quick and easy way to make a baking soda volcano! I made one in the 4th grade for science class but it was all fancy and paper mached up. Can’t wait to try this! Thanks!
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- Jane says
My kids never get tired of making a volcano. They’ve done it in cups without the added volcano flare (food coloring, aluminum foil, etc) and they still love to see it erupt.
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See AlsoThe Pinay Homeschooler - Emily @FamilyNLifeLV says
I’m adding this to my summer to do list! My 4 year old would love this!! Fun!
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- Kate Williams says
My son is only 3 so we still do a lot of basic sticking, I’d like to try this though ! Thanks for linking up #pintorials
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- saundra says
What an easy spin on this experiment. We even named our volcano and both kids 6 and 2 had a great time!
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- Kara says
How fun! We had a great time with this experiment and it is so easy to throw together and make time and time again. Thank you for stopping by!
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- Beverly Gould says
The last time we made a baking soda volcano, my youngest son was too little to remember. Your directions are super easy to follow. Thanks!
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- Kara says
My boys LOVE making this volcano because it is SO easy! I hope your youngest loved it!
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- A.j says
I did it for a science project and it was awsome I’m so happy that it worked
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- Kara says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
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Trackbacks
[…] If your kids loved learning about growing crystals and like simple science projects make sure you check out how to build an easy baking soda volcano. […]
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[…] Simple Science: Baking Soda Volcano […]
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[…] How does it work?? When vinegar (an acid) and baking soda (a base) combine they react and Carbon Dioxide is released. When you have a balloon on top of the water bottle, that Carbon Dioxide is trapped and it blows up the balloon. We were surprised that it happened so quickly! For another fun experiment withbaking soda and vinegar, make sure you check out our Easy Baking Soda Volcano. […]
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[…] done some other fun experiments with baking soda and vinegar and my boys really lovedincluding an Easy Baking Soda Volcano and “Grow a Monster” […]
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