How to Make a Sand-Based Volcano Experiment

Lay out some newspaper to protect the working surface.

Mix sand with a little water so it becomes firm and pliable. This will require very little water as it only needs to support the sand for a short while.

Sculpt the sand into a cone shape on top of the newspaper. The cone should be as large or as small as you desire your volcano to be. Flatten the top of the volcano so it can be hollowed out later.

Mix modeling plaster in a container until there is enough to cover the sand sculpture. The plaster needs to be the consistency of thick honey.

Pour the plaster over the sides of the sand volcano and use the paint brush to make sure the plaster covers the entire structure. Leave to set for 24 hours.

Remove all the sand from the center of the volcano. This can be done by cutting away the newspaper and digging out the sand from underneath the volcano.

Place the plaster mold onto a paper plate which has some plaster on it so the volcano now has a solid base. Let dry overnight.

Fill the volcano with more modeling plaster, but leave at least an inch of space at the top. Let the volcano dry for at least 24 hours.

Paint the volcano so it looks realistic. Greens, browns and blacks will be required. Then add model trees and foliage to make it look more realistic.

Make the volcano erupt by putting some baking soda in the volcano crater and then adding a mixture of white vinegar and red food coloring.