How to Build a Volcano

You don’t have to be a scientist to build a volcano. By gathering these materials, you can have one right in your own backyard. You can create several of them by yourself or with little difficulty.

Required Tools and Materials

An empty bottle (at least 2 liters)
Baking soda
White vinegar
Sealant
Brush
Liquid dish washing soap
Food coloring (red or reddish orange)
Spray paint
Papier-mâché (plaster can be substituted)
Plywood sheet
Some newspapers

Making the Base

Cut a square or rectangular piece of plywood. Make it at least 10 inches bigger than the volcano. By making it larger it will be able to hold the “lava flow” and avoid dirtying the surrounding surface.

Creating the Volcanic Shape

Begin to build a volcano by wrapping the papier-mâché around the bottle. Shape it like a mountain. Be sure to remove the cap off the bottle. When you get to the upper part, shape the papier-mâché or plaster around it tight. Working from the top to the base, create a few ridges. This will serve as the lava’s path.

After you finish shaping the structure, allow it to dry. Before putting on the papier-mâché you can put newspapers around the bottle. This will give it more shape. This is optional though.

Painting

When it has dried completely, spray paint it. Alternatively you can use acrylic paint. For a natural appearance use a dark brown color. You can also try grey. If you want some trees around it, use plastic plants from a fish tank.

Making the Lava Flow

The next stage is to mix the materials that will comprise the lava. After you build a volcano, combine a tablespoon of baking soda with a tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Add a few drops of food coloring (red or orange). Mix them well. Pour this concoction into the bottle.

Testing

Take the whole structure outside. At the very least choose a site that has plenty of free space, just to be sure nothing gets hit. Once in the right place, pour about ¼ cup of white vinegar in the bottle. Sit back and watch the fireworks.

Tips and Hints

To make it reusable, use plenty of papier-mâché or plaster. Too little material used when you build a volcano and it will disintegrate under the lava flow. To reuse, just clean the lava flow. Any rag or wet cloth will do. Give it enough time to dry before reloading.

The lava mix itself can be adjusted. Add a tablespoon of water if it’s too dense or thick. If you want a longer lasting eruption, make a small cut into the bottle. Add a piece of metal into it. Pour in the vinegar and you’ll notice a delay in the eruption.

If you want the volcano to destroy itself like the Krakatoa eruption, seal the bottle after pouring in the vinegar. The bottle will be blown to bits.

Studying how to build a volcano needn’t just be a science project. It can be an exciting activity that you can share with your family too.