Turn on the glue gun and put several dots of glue on the bottom of a plastic drink bottle. Press the bottom of the bottle quickly onto the center of a 24-by-24-by-3/4-inch board. Hold it in place for one minute. The board forms the base for the volcano.
Knead the modeling clay until it is soft and pliable. Roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball on a clean, hard surface and roll the modeling clay with a rolling pin into a large flat circle that is at least 24 inches across.
Drape the clay over the top of the bottle so the center of the clay is directly over its mouth. Flare out the clay so it approaches the board at a 45-degree angle. Press the bottom edges onto the base for the volcano so they blend into the board. Make a hole in the clay to uncover the mouth of the bottle. Blend the top edges of the modeling clay with the edges of the bottle opening so it looks like a hole in the ground. Now the outside of the volcano is done.
Make the lava by pouring the vinegar into the mouth of the bottle. Add four drops of red food coloring and the liquid dish detergent. Add baking soda to the opening, and stand back as the volcano erupts.