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Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Volcano Model – Sand Volcano

Volcano Model – Sand Volcano

Modified: May 24, 2021 · Published: Aug 19, 2015 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 5 Comments

Do you know how to make a volcano model? We’ve made a snow volcano, papier mache volcano and even a paper volcano before, but never sand until yesterday.

My children came running in the house to tell me they’d made a sand volcano and could we please cover it with cling film ( we did this with the reusable volcano ) and make it erupt. I couldn’t say no after they’d been so creative so we collected what we needed and apparently it was a better volcano than mine!

sand volcano model - science for kids

To make a sand volcano you will need

An small empty container

Sand

2 spoonfuls of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda )

1 spoonful washing up liquid

a few drops of red and yellow food colouring

30 ml vinegar

Cling film optional – but does save the sand from getting too messy

sand volcano
sand volcano

How to make a sand volcano

Mould the shape around the water bottle with the sand.

Cover with clingfilm – optional

Add everything except the vinegar to the water bottle.

Add the vinegar and watch the eruption! If it doesn’t work so well add a bit more washing up liquid and vinegar, or give it a good stir!

Top Tips for Volcano Models

Make sure your mixture in the bottle isn’t too thick as this will slow down the reaction. If it does look gloopy, add some water and give it a good stir.

Why does the volcano erupt?

Vinegar (an acid ) and bicarbonate of soda ( an alkali ) react together to neutralise each other. This reaction releases carbon dioxide, a gas that is the bubbles you see, these bubbles make the washing up liquid bubble up to give the appearance of lava erupting from a volcano.

More volcano investigation ideas

Try the reaction without the dish soap, is it less bubbly?

What happens if you add extra dish soap?

Homemade Volcano Challenge

Can you make a volcano with red and yellow lava??

multicoloured volcano
Sand Volcano

More volcano model ideas

If you haven’t got sand, but have snow, how about a snow volcano?

How about making a multi-colour volcano eruption?

multicoloured volcano eruption - volcano model for kids

We love this tape volcano from Inspiration Laboratories as well.

Or try this lemon volcano from Babble Dabble Do.

Last Updated on May 24, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mammasaurus

    August 24, 2015 at 3:04 pm

    Ahhh this is so cool! Mine would love to do this! Bookmarking 🙂

    Reply
  2. Boo Roo and Tigger Too

    August 24, 2015 at 7:30 pm

    This sounds amazing, I must try this with the children

    Reply
  3. Emma

    August 24, 2015 at 7:35 pm

    so so cool, I keep telling my science teacher husband that he needs to do experiments with the kids.

    Reply
  4. Michelle Twin Mum

    August 24, 2015 at 8:37 pm

    You are so cool Emma, so many fabulous ideas. I would just have no idea at all! Mich x

    Reply
  5. Donna@MummyCentral

    August 25, 2015 at 3:51 pm

    This is just the kind of messy, cool thing my boys will love. Bookmarked and will be trying it out at the weekend.

    Reply

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