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How to Make a Model Volcano Using Washing Soda

A volcano is a mountain on the Earth's surface that when ruptured, allows lava, magma, ashes and gases to flow out from below the surface. Making a model volcano is an ideal science project for students in all grades as well as for anyone who would just like to experiment. Although baking soda is usually the primary ingredient when making a model volcano, washing soda can replace baking soda as it contains a similar ingredient, sodium carbonate, which is responsible for making the model volcano erupt.

Things You'll Need

Cardboard
Aluminum baking sheet
Scissors
Plastic soda bottle
Glue
Modeling clay
6 drops of dishwashing detergent
1/2 cup of vinegar
1 tablespoon of red food coloring
Toilet paper
Washing soda

Instructions

- 1
  Place a piece of cut cardboard onto an aluminum baking sheet. Make sure the cardboard is cut so that it fits snugly onto the sheet. Cut 2 inches off the top of a plastic soda bottle, and then glue the bottom of the bottle to the cardboard. Make sure that the soda bottle is at least 20 ounces.
- 2
  Shape modeling clay around the soda bottle, starting from the bottom to the top, forming a mountain shape. Leave the opening to the soda bottle open, and insert a funnel into it. Do not cover the funnel with modeling clay, as you will be removing it from the bottle shortly.
- 3
  Place six drops of dishwashing detergent, 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of red food coloring down the funnel, wait for the ingredients to make their way into the plastic bottle, and then remove the funnel. Place 4 tablespoons of washing soda into a piece of toilet paper, and then wrap the toilet paper around the washing soda. Wrap the toilet paper tightly enough so that it is small enough to be dropped into the bottle. Drop the toilet paper into the bottle, and then move back. Your volcano will erupt shortly.

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