HobbyScience Science Fair Working Volcano

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© by hobbyscience 1999-2008
Page Created:05/26/03
Last Update:03/18/08

See this explode... CLICK!

Volcano science fair exhibit by 1st grader Tegan of Silver Beach!

What You Need:

Plywood square for base approx. 18"X18"
Metal screening new or used to mold shape.
Newspaper strips and bits.
Flour & water (newspaper, H2O, newspaper for paper mach'e.
Water tight container for crater. Plastic cup or empty "Crystalite" container ideal.
Spray Paint to give volcano realism (gray pebble finish, brown, red, orange...suggested colors)
Vinegar
Baking Soda
Red food coloring
Display Back Cardboard for your facts sheets, etc.
Paper toweling
Plastic sheeting to place beneath your exhibit to catch "lava" overflow.

What you do:

Shape screening into a cone shape and staple onto plywood leaving center hole for cup/crater.
Insert cup/crater.
Make paper mach'e "glue" with flour and water. Squishy & fun!
Cover with paper mach'e. 3 layers drying between layers.
When dry using spray paints decorate volcano.
When paint is dry you're nearly ready to explode!

To Explode:

In a container mix about 10 drops of red food dye into about a pint of vinegar. This should be good for several "explosions".
Place about a half cup of baking soda into crater
When you're ready to amaze people pour about 2 tablespoons of your red vinegar into the crater....Voom!!

Paper towels can be handy to have on hand for clean-ups.
If you have any helpful tips you would like to share email me.