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How to Explode a Homemade Volcano

Although they can be destructive to property and human life, volcanoes are a wonder of the natural science world. Whether it's for a science project for school or simply curiosity, exploding a homemade volcano is practically a rite of passage for the budding would-be junior scientist. If you've already modeled a replica volcano from clay, mud or plaster, the next step is to make it erupt.

Things You'll Need

Volcano model (clay or plaster)
1 teaspoon dish soap
Red and yellow food coloring
2 teaspoons baking soda
Empty film container or small plastic cup
Tall 32-ounce plastic cup, if the model volcano is hollow
1 ounce white vinegar
Measuring cup
Newspaper

Instructions

- 1
  Spread the newspaper out in an indoor or outdoor work area. The newspaper will make cleanup easier.
- 2
  Set the volcano model in the center of the newspaper.
- 3
  Place the film canister or small cup inside the volcano at the top. If the volcano model is not solid inside, place an empty 32-ounce cup upside down inside the volcano and stack the film canister on top of it.
- 4
  Place three drops of red and three drops of yellow food coloring in the film canister.
- 5
  Place two teaspoons of baking soda in the canister. Add 1 teaspoon of dish soap.
- 6
  Pour 1 ounce of white vinegar into the film canister. The model volcano should immediately begin "erupting."

Nature