# >> K-12 >> Middle School

How to Make Lava for a Volcano Project

Making a volcano model erupt is a fun, albeit messy, project for a science fair or family learning activity. You can use either a homemade or commercially available volcano model, then pour in your own lava mixture to erupt through the top and over the sides of the model. The lava ingredients are inexpensive common pantry items; when combined, they provide a good representation of the chemical and physical processes that occur in a real erupting volcano.

Hollow paper mache or clay volcano with top opening the size of the top of the empty soda bottle
Newspapers or plastic table covering
Empty plastic water or soda bottles, 12 to 16 ounce size
Small funnel
Baking soda
Red and yellow food coloring or reddish-orange Kool-aid drink powder
Vinegar
Measuring spoons
Measuring cup

Instructions

- 1
  Cover work spaces with newspapers or plastic table coverings.
- 2
  Measure two tablespoons of baking powder; carefully pour into empty bottle. (If using Kool-aid powder, mix with baking powder to desired color before pouring into bottle.)
- 3
  Insert the bottle into the center of the volcano model from the bottom, making sure the top of the bottle comes up snugly into the opening at the top of the volcano.
- 4
  Pour 1/4 cup of vinegar into the measuring cup. If using food coloring, add two to three drops of each color to the vinegar in the measuring cup; stir gently to mix.
- 5
  Pour all the vinegar at once into the opening of the bottle, using the funnel if necessary. Pour quickly and immediately remove the funnel before the lava begins bubbling up and out of the bottle.
- 6
  Stand back from the volcano as the lava erupts. Clean up the surrounding areas thoroughly when finished.

How to Find Outside Angles in Triangles

Eighth-Grade Activities for the Scientific Method