Volcano Diorama
You may need the help of a grown-up or older brother or sister to do this fun kids science experiment quickly, but you can also take your time and do it yourself.
You will need the following materials:
1 cone shaped object or bendable metal wires
flour or white glue
water
old newspaper, cut into strips
non-toxic, non-water based paint
paint brushes
1 large illustration board
baking soda
vinegar
food coloring (red or orange)
small circular container, about 3 to 4 inches in height.
Instructions:
If you have a cone shaped object, you can go directly into paper-mache coating the object. If not, use the bendable metal wires to make the frame of a volcano. Remember that you have to leave room for a hole on top, which will be the exit of the eruption.
Glue the small circular container right under the eruption hole.
In a large container, mix 1 liter of water with either flour or white glue. Make sure the consistency is similar to that of heavy cream. This is the paper-mache formula.
Glue your volcano mold onto the large illustration board.
Dip your strips of newspaper into the paper-mache formula, and begin covering your mold with the strips. Make sure you have about three layers of strips on the mold so that it is sturdy.
After your volcano is completely covered and the paper-mache has dried, you can now paint your volcano, and add contour or texture to the rest of the illustration board. You can add plastic trees, a village, a geothermal power plant, it's up to you. It is probably best if you build some kind of moat or place where you can funnel the liquid to.
Once your volcano's surrounding regions are ready, you can place two tablespoons of baking soda into the small container right below the eruption hole. You can also color your baking soda with some water and food coloring if you like. Red or orange are usually good colors.
Add vinegar until the container is starting to bubble. Usually, about ½ cup will do.
Allow the “eruption” to occur!
Concept Explanation:
When baking soda and vinegar are mixed together, a chemical reaction occurs causing the mixture to bubble and seemingly boil over. This fun kids science experiment shows students that mixtures can react violently. The entire diorama also reminds us of the power of the heat energy deep inside the earth. The chemical reactions of minerals mixing and decomposing together deep underground creates heat, which can affect the flow of magma, which is what comes out of a volcano during a true volcanic eruption. Both the concepts of heat energy and chemical reactions can be studies through this fun kids science experiment.
