How to Build a Baking Soda Volcano Science Project

The baking soda and vinegar volcano is the kitchen equivalent of a volcano. Obviously it's not a
real volcano. It's cool all the same! The baking soda volcano is also non-toxic, which adds to its
appeal. The chemical volcano is a classic science project which can help kids learn about
chemical reactions and how volcanoes work.

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 30 minutes
Volcano Science Project Materials

6 cups flour

2 cups salt

4 tablespoons cooking oil

warm water

plastic soda bottle

dishwashing detergent

food coloring

vinegar

baking dish or other pan

2 T baking soda

Make the Chemical Volcano

1. First make the 'cone' of the baking soda volcano. Mix 6 cups flour, 2 cups salt, 4
tablespoons cooking oil, and 2 cups of water. The resulting mixture should be smooth and
firm (more water may be added if needed).
2. Stand the soda bottle in the baking pan and mold the dough around it into a volcano
shape. Don't cover the hole or drop dough into it.
3. Fill the bottle most of the way full with warm water and a bit of red food color (can be
done before sculpting if you don't take so long that the water gets cold).
1. Add 6 drops of detergent to the bottle contents. The detergent helps trap the bubbles
produced by the reaction so you get better lava.
2. Add 2 tablespoons baking soda to the liquid.
3. Slowly pour vinegar into the bottle. Watch out - eruption time!
Experiment with the Volcano

While it's fine for a young investigator to explore a simple model volcano, you'll want to add the
scientific method if you want to make the volcano a better science project. Here are ideas for
ways to experiment with a baking soda volcano:

Make a prediction about what happens if you change the amount of baking soda or
vinegar. Record and analyze the effect, if any.

Can you think of ways to change the volcano to make the eruption go higher or last
longer. This might involve changing the chemicals or the shape of the volcano. It helps to
record numerical data, such as volume of liquid, height of the "lava", or duration of the
eruption.

What happens if you substitute other acids instead of vinegar or other bases instead of
baking soda? Examples of acids include lemon juice or ketchup. Examples of bases
include laundry detergent and household ammonia. Use caution if you substitute
chemicals, because some mixtures can produce hazardous gases. Don't experiment with
bleach or bathroom cleaners.

Tips:
1. The cool red lava is the result of a chemical reaction between the baking soda and
vinegar.
2. In this reaction, carbon dioxide gas is produced, which is also present in real volcanoes.
3. As the carbon dioxide gas is produced, pressure builds up inside the plastic bottle, until
the gas bubbles (thanks to the detergent) out of the 'volcano'.
4. Adding a bit of food coloring will result in red-orange lava! Orange seems to work the
best. Add some red, yellow, and even purple, for a bright display.
5. If you need more detailed instructions or information about the chemical reactions
involved in the volcano, I also have a step-by-step tutorial and a video tutorial.

How to Make the Classic Chemical Volcano

Ammonium Dichromate Reaction

Introduction

The eruption of an ammonium dichromate [(NH4)2Cr2O7] volcano is a classic chemistry

demonstration. The ammonium dichromate glows and emits sparks as it decomposes and
produces copious amounts of green chromium (III) oxide ash. This demonstration is simple to
prepare and perform. The decomposition of ammonium dichromate commences at 180C,
becoming self-sustaining at ~225C. The oxidant (Cr6+) and the reductant (N3-) are present in the
same molecule.
(NH4)2Cr2O7 Cr2O3 + 4 H2O + N2
The procedure works well in both a lighted or darkened room.
Materials

~20 grams of ammonium dichromate

sand tray or ceramic tile, for use in ventilation hood OR

5-liter round bottom flask and porcelain filtering funnel

gas burner (e.g., Bunsen) OR

butane lighter or match, for use with flammable liquid (e.g., ethanol, acetone)

Procedure

If you are using a hood:

1. Make a pile (volcanic cone) or ammonium dichromate on a tile or tray of sand.
2. Use a gas burner to heat the tip of the pile until the reaction begins or dampen the tip of
the cone with a flammable liquid and light it with a lighter or match.
If you are not using a ventilation hood:
1. Pour the ammonium dichromate into a large flask.
2. Cap the flask with a filtration funnel, which will prevent the majority of the chromium
(III) oxide from escaping.
3. Apply heat to the bottom of the flask until the reaction begins.
Notes

Chromium III and chromium VI, as well at its compounds, including ammonium dichromate, are
known carcinogens. Chromium will irritate the mucous membranes. Therefore, take care to
perform this demonstration in a well-ventilated area (preferably a ventilation hood) and avoid
skin contact or inhalation of the materials. Wear gloves and safety goggles when handling
ammonium dichromate.