#  >> K-12 >> K-12 Basics

How to Build a Model Volcano for an Elementary Level

Building a model volcano with your kids for a science project or for fun is easy to do. Homemade playdough can be used to build and shape the exterior of the model. To accomplish the eruption, you need a few commonly used kitchen items. The eruption may not spew out actual magma, but it will have your kids fascinated by the eruption process as it safely expels baking soda and vinegar.

Things You'll Need

  • Small water bottle
  • Six cups of flour
  • Two cups of salt
  • Four tbsp. cooking oil
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Two cups of water
  • One tbsp. of baking soda
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • Orange food coloring
  • Green food coloring
  • Two drops of dish washing detergent
  • Tissue
  • 60 milliliters of water
Show More

Instructions

  1. Making Homemade Playdough

    • 1

      Combine two cups of water, four tbsp. of cooking oil, two cups of salt and six cups of flour into a large bowl.

    • 2

      Add a few drops of orange and green food coloring to your playdough mixture.

    • 3

      Mix the ingredients together using your hands until the mixture is smooth. Reserve this playdough mixture to form the volcano. Wash your hands with soap and water to avoid staining from the food coloring.

    Making the Volcano

    • 4

      Stand a small water bottle upright. Place the homemade dough around the bottle structure. Shape the surrounding dough into the shape of a volcano. Allow the shape to dry thoroughly overnight.

    • 5

      Pour 60 milliliters of water, a few drops of detergent, orange food coloring and 1/4 cup of vinegar into the bottom of the water bottle.

    • 6

      Place one tbsp. of baking soda into a tissue. Drop the tissue to the bottom of the bottle and watch the explosion begin.

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved