How to Make a Volcano Structure Out of Clay

Choose your clay. Oil-based modeling clay -- also known as plasticine -- can be found at any art store. What makes this clay ideal for beginners is that it is malleable and does not require baking.

Create the strata. Using your gray clay, make a small cone that is four inches high and four inches wide. Flatten one side of the cone. This flat side will be used to display the volcano's internal structure.

Add layers. Flatten some gray clay and spread it over the outside of the base. Keep the layer no thicker than one inch. Do not place additional clay on the flat side. Repeat this process five or six times. This will create a layering effect similar to the strata of a real volcano.

Create the top layer. Using your black clay, make a three-inch thick layer on the outside of your volcano. Do not place any clay on the flat side. You should now have a gray cone composed of several layers, with a thicker black layer at the top.

Carve the hole. Take a medium-sized colored marker and press it against the center of your volcano's flat side. This will create a cylindrical groove. Continue until the hole extends from the base to the opening.

Carve the lava flows. Using a small plastic scalpel, carve three or four lines originating from the sides and base of the large hole. Have some of them extend to the surface.

Insert the magma. Fill the groove in the model structure with orange clay. Do the same for the small vents.

Create the lava flow. Make three or four strips of orange clay and place them on the outside of the volcano. This will add the illusion of a lava flow. You now have a model of the internal and external structure of a volcano.