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How to Make a Homemade Clay Exploding Volcano

Simulating a volcano eruption is a classic science project. It can teach students about both geology and chemistry. A bottle is used to simulate both the caldera, or crater, of the volcano and the magma chamber beneath it, while clay stands in for the earth and rock that forms the cone of a volcano.

Things You'll Need

Baking soda
Vinegar
Small bottle, glass or plastic
Red food coloring
Glue
Square of plywood, 1-by-1-foot

Instructions

- 1
  Glue the bottom of the bottle to the square of plywood securely.
- 2
  Place clay on the wooden base and around the bottle in the shape of a volcano.
- 3
  Allow the clay to dry and harden, according to the instructions on the package.
- 4
  Dump 1 tbsp. baking soda into the bottle that forms the caldera of the volcano.
- 5
  Mix red food coloring into 1 cup of vinegar.
- 6
  Pour the vinegar into the bottle when you are ready for it to erupt. The baking soda and vinegar will react, simulating a volcanic eruption.

Rocks & Minerals