Easy Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano for Kids

We’re big fans of science experiments and STEM activities like this Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano. My kids love trying new science experiments. However, sometimes the classic science experiments really are the best. Like how to make a volcano for kids…science fair, anyone?

We’ve turned the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment for kids into a volcano more times than I can count, but my kids still love trying it over and over.

This time, we kept things really simple by making this easy baking soda and vinegar volcano experiment out of play dough and a beaker.

The play dough volcano was a hit with both elementary and preschool kids, and even the clean up was easy for this one. If you need a low-mess science experiment, this one definitely fits the bill.

First, mix the inside of the volcano.

Mix up to a cup of baking soda and 1-2 oz of paint together along with a small amount of dish soap, about 1 tsp. The dish soap will help the volcano erupt slower, making this easy volcano experiment last longer.

Add a touch of water if the mixture is too thick.

Pour 1/2 cup to 1 cup baking soda mixture into the beaker.

 Learning Resources Beaker Creatures Deluxe Liquid Reactor Super Lab, 21 Piece Set with 4 Creatures, STEM Science Toy, Ages 5+, Multicolor (LSP8586-AMZ)

 

Place the beaker on your tray. You can secure it in place with a bit of masking tape as you get ready to create your volcano with play dough.

Figuring out how to build a volcano out of playdough with a beaker or soda bottle is also a great way to sneak in some fine motor skills practice with your kids.

(I always love sneaking in fine motor skills with my kids…even the older ones who seem to use their thumbs for texting more than anything else…sigh.)

You can also grab this fun Play Doh Volcano set for another easy way to form a volcano .

 Play Doh Volcano Set

 

How to Make a Baking Soda Volcano:

Create the best volcano science experiment in the world with these simple tips:

Place the play dough around the beaker to make it look like a mountain. Don’t cover up the opening of the beaker because you will need the vinegar to get inside to create the chemical reaction.

Pour a small amount of vinegar into the beaker or soda bottle to create the baking soda and vinegar reaction, then, watch the volcano erupt. Keep adding vinegar a little at a time and watch as the vinegar reacts with the baking soda until the volcano no longer erupts any longer.

Of course, the baking soda and vinegar reaction is also great as a drain cleaner, but I think the kids will enjoy this experiment more as them make a vinegar volcano with baking soda & vinegar.

More Science Experiments for Kids

This classic science experiment is always a fun one for kids, and no matter how many times they make it, they still love watching the baking soda and vinegar chemical reaction over and over.

What happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda?

When vinegar and baking soda are first mixed together, hydrogen ions in the vinegar (acetic acid) react with the sodium and bicarbonate ions in the baking soda. The result of this initial reaction is two new chemicals: carbonic acid and sodium acetate. The second reaction is a decomposition reaction and carbon dioxide is released. (which is what creates the bubbles)

What kids will really care about more than a scientific explanation is how big their volcano is!

Want More? Check out these great science experiment books for kids!

More Cool Science Experiments with Baking Soda and Vinegar:

• Glitter Science Experiment
• Fizzing Ice Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction
• Snow Volcano Science Experiment
• Snow Volcano Science Activity with Cloud Dough
• Apple Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Experiment
• Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction Experiment and Printable