Modeling clay molded in layers around an overturned paper cup on a cardboard base will form the mountain. The top of the cup can be pressed down lightly to form the crater. Children can pile on modeling clay of different colors with a plastic knife to represent the flowing lava. A paper cup covered in silver or gold foil placed on top of the crater will represent the volcanic eruption.
A realistic volcano out of newspaper balls makes a realistic volcano for a science project. Children can glue a tall plastic tube or vial in the center of a cardboard base and pile newspaper balls around the tube or vial. Once the pile looks like a mountain, they can cover it with silver aluminum foil. They can then push the foil gently into the mouth of the tube or vial gently. Children can top the mountain with a red plastic ball to represent the explosion and fire. Sprinkling sand or mud on the slopes will make the volcano look realistic.
Making this volcano is similar to making the newspaper volcano but the mixture making the mountain looks homogeneous compared to newspaper balls. You can secure a plastic bottle to a cardboard base. Mix flour and water to a liquid consistency. Paste strips of masking or duct tape from the top of the bottle to the edge of the cardboard base to make the framework of the mountain. Have your child dip strips of newspaper into the liquid and cover the entire mountain with paper mache. The paper mache volcano should dry overnight. Place a red ball on top of the bottle in the morning or an adult can help them with making a realistic eruption.
Adults can help children make a realistic eruption with all the above types of volcanoes. The only difference is that plastic bottles should be used as cones rather can plastic tubes or paper cups. The adult can mix a cup of vinegar and red food coloring and pour into the bottle. Finally the adult should add baking soda to the vinegar mixture and step back to see a realistic explosion.