Volcano Experiment for Kids

A Volcano experiment for kids is a great way to create a natural disaster without actually being there. There are so many options too!

The poster board-

A poster board is helpful to get Your child’s mind thinking and to teach about volcanoes. It shows them how to prepare for the experiments.

Chart-

This is the sciencey stuff that will be key in the experiment. Below is what we put on our chart. It also lists the ingredients. The one section is left blank to be done during each round of experimentation.

Picture-

Let your child draw what they think their volcano will look like. It helps them visualize their creation.

Parts of the Volcano-

Last part of poster board shows the parts of the volcano.

Additional-

Depending on the ability of the child, other stuff can be added such as key eruptions in history.

Make Your Volcano!

Then we made Paper Mache to create the volcano.

We used a two-liter soda bottle which takes a lot more materials. You can go smaller. We wanted a bigger opening at the top so I cut the mouth of the bottle bigger.

You wait for a layer to dry and add on more and more layers for a more detailed look. Just remember to let each layer dry in between. We rolled bits of paper and clumped up our strips to make it rockier looking. We also put the volcano on a piece of cardboard that you can secure with hot glue or strong bonding glue. Then we’re able to pull the strips out and down to make more of a volcano shape.

After your child is satisfied with their volcano shape, use non-toxic paint to cover the volcano.

Final step if you want it more permanent, is to seal it.

*kids can take it one step further and put fake trees houses, animals, people and make more of a scene for the volcanic eruption

Time for the volcano experiments to begin-

It’s a lot of trial and error. We are not the type to sit there and have exact measurements we pulled off of every mommy homeschool blog on Pinterest. We enjoy the adventures in trial and error and flying by the seat of our pants.

Fail

The worst results for us and a complete failure was the diet soda and mentos. However, it worked well from the actual soda bottle. Let us know if you get it to work in the volcano.

So-So Experiment Results-

All experiments with baking soda and vinegar gave the same results. It bubbled and rolled fast over the top. But, we had to fill it all the way to the top. We used halfway up with water and rest, vinegar. A couple of drops of dish soap. We tried a baking soda bomb. However, just pouring it in gives a faster result.

The best experiment result-

Elephant tooth paste.

My kid put in a whole jar of yeast to two bottles of peroxide. But before the yeast was added, we added a few drops of dish soap and red non-toxic paint. Mix. Then put in yeast. My husband mixed it fast for a reaction. Our method made a really thick long-lasting, oozing reaction. I think she might have snuck in some baking soda too.

*appears our mistake is that you need to put a few drops of warm water into the yeast before pouring it into the volcano. This must be why a lot of the yeast immediately came back out of the top. Think melted ice cream.

Also, 3 percent peroxide will give a smaller reaction. If you go to the hair store, you can find a higher percentage for a bigger reaction. Just remember gloves and

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE!

Free volcano experiment time

After all, our experiments from the chart were completed and her findings recorded, we let her explore with whatever was leftover.

Final thoughts

A volcano experiment for kids is an awesome adventure. It’s fun for all ages as the activity can be changed based on ability, interest, age, etc. So go visit a volcano without having to deal with standing in real lava. PS. the experiment works best outdoors.

Want more activities to do?

Hey here are some cool nature-based activity ideas!