How to Make a Scientific Volcano at Home

Choose a container for your volcano. A plain cardboard box is an easy, cheap container, but keep in mind that when your volcano erupts the box will get wet. You should be fine if you line the box with a thick garbage bag, or if a trash can is nearby for quick and easy disposal. But if you've got to carry it a long way, consider using a plastic storage container instead. They come in plenty of shapes and sizes, many of which are clear, so you should find something that meets your needs.

Gather your materials. In addition to your container, you'll need materials to build your volcano, a container to hold your magma, and the ingredients to create your eruption. It's best to gather all these materials ahead of time so you're not scrambling around looking for things.

Determine how you'll make your volcano erupt. Most people use baking soda and vinegar for the eruption because it is safe and effective. Consider adding some red and yellow food coloring to mimic the color of the liquid magma as it flows out of the top of your volcano. Also add a small amount of dish soap --- a spoonful or so --- to create bubbles.

Mold your volcano. Put about a quarter-cup of vinegar in your magma container --- an empty water bottle works well --- and add the food coloring and dish soap. Place that in the center and construct your volcano around it. You can use papier mache, modeling clay or any other material that will hold its shape. Build up the volcano using the clay or layers of papier mache, but remember to leave an opening at the top above the water bottle.

Decorate your volcano if you have the time to do so. Paint the volcano brown or gray to look like a real volcano, then paint the surrounding area however you'd like. Add trees, houses, people and whatever else you want to create your volcano scene.

Erupt your volcano. Before the big moment, wrap one tablespoon of baking soda in a thin tissue. Make sure the bundle is small enough to fit into the opening of the water bottle. If it's not, make two or three bundles. When you're ready to see your volcano in action, drop the bundles into the hole and stand back.