Young scientists will love watching their creation erupt before their eyes in this cool science experiment! Kids engineer their very own eruption, all while learning about how mixing different acids and bases creates an explosive reaction. One of our 64 Easy Experiments for Kids Using Household Stuff, this simple science experiment uses items you probably have on hand: white vinegar, baking soda, food coloring, and glitter.
Read on for a simple way to bring a little bit of sparkle into your day.
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No special trip to the store is required for this volcano!
You Will Need:
- Glass vase
- Large pan to contain the mess
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Food coloring
- Glitter
Even little ones can mix up up the simple ingredients.
Step 1: The Baking Soda
Place the vase in the pan. Add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda to the vase.
Step 2: Choose Your Colors
Add 6-7 drops of food coloring and 1-2 teaspoons of glitter (pick any colors you like) to the vase.
Watch the eruption of your sparkly, glittery volcano!
Step 3: Get Ready for the Fun Part!
Quickly pour in about 1/2 cup of vinegar and watch what happens next! Add more vinegar as needed.
Step 4: Experiment With Other Materials
After the eruption, try repeating the experiment with other ingredients around the house. What does pepper look like in the volcano? Does adding dish soap or salt alter the results? What about pasta noodles? Play around with different materials, make predictions, and follow your child's lead!
Find this science experiment and more ideas in our 64 Easy Science Experiments for Kids article or peruse our STEM Guide for Kids for more hands-on experiments.
Photos by the author