Vinegar and Baking Soda Volcano Science
Build a mini volcano from a bottle and trigger a fizzy eruption with vinegar and baking soda. The most iconic kids' science experiment, and it never gets old.
What You'll Need
- 1Small plastic bottle
- 2Baking soda
- 3White vinegar
- 4Dish soap
- 5Red food coloring
- 6Modeling clay or damp sand
- 7Tray to catch overflow
What You'll Need
A small plastic bottle
Baking soda (2 tablespoons per eruption)
White vinegar (about half a cup per eruption)
Dish soap (a squeeze)
Red food coloring
Modeling clay or damp sand for the volcano shape
A tray to catch the overflow
How to Play
Place the bottle on a tray. Shape clay or sand around it as a volcano, leaving the opening clear.
Add 2 tablespoons baking soda, a squeeze of dish soap, and red food coloring to the bottle.
Pour in half a cup of vinegar. Step back.
Watch the fizzy red eruption overflow and cascade down the sides.
Discuss: "Vinegar and baking soda created carbon dioxide gas — that's what made the bubbles."
Experiment: "What happens with MORE baking soda? MORE vinegar?"
Try adding different colors for different eruptions.
The Science Behind It
This is an acid-base reaction. Vinegar (acetic acid) reacts with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to produce carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate. The dish soap traps the gas in bubbles, creating the foamy "lava" effect. It's a real chemical reaction — the starting ingredients are transformed into entirely new substances.
Tips
Do this outside or on a large tray. The mess is significant and that's part of the fun.
The dish soap is what makes it foam instead of just fizz. Don't skip it.
Try warm vinegar vs. cold vinegar. Warm vinegar reacts faster — a great variable to test.
Let your child measure the ingredients. Measuring is math in action.
After the wow factor fades, focus on the science: "What's the gas that's being created? Where does it go?"
Age Adaptation Tips
School-age kids can take more ownership. Let them lead the activity, experiment with variations, and explain what they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 30 min, with 15 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: small plastic bottle, baking soda, white vinegar, dish soap, red food coloring, and 2 more items.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 5-8 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors or outdoors?
This activity works great both indoors and outdoors, giving you flexibility based on the weather or your space.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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