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

    Volcano Model – Sand Volcano

    August 19, 2015 By Emma Vanstone 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

    « Dinosaur Zoo
    Erupting Volcano Kit from Learning Resources »

    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. [email protected]

      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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