Creativity explodes with this unique project from craft expert Mari Blaustein! Here, she shows how you can use just a few basic materials to create a fun and fascinating volcanic "eruption." (Note: This erupting volcano provides the most fun -- and the least mess -- when created outdoors.) Materials: Packing materials (cut-up sheets of thin insulating foam or heavy plastic sheeting, bubble wrap, etc.)
Acrylic paints in shades of brown and green
Baking soda
Distilled vinegar
Red food coloring
- First, create the volcano structure by forming a cone-like mini-mountain from sheets of plastic, foam or bubble wrap (if using bubble wrap, turn it so the smooth side is out). Make sure the bottom of the cone is wide enough to allow the structure to stand up on its own, and leave a hole about the size of a quarter at the top; secure the edges of the sheets with tape to hold them in place.
- Set the volcano on a paper- or plastic-covered tray and paint the outside to resemble a mountain. (You may want to stuff a little extra packing in the bottom of the cone to help it keep its shape.) Embellish the surrounding "landscape" with pinecones or other natural or handcrafted mini-trees and bushes. Allow any wet paint to dry completely.
- Next, empty about five teaspoons of baking soda into the opening of the volcano (figure A).
- Then, add a couple drops of red food coloring to a small-to-medium-size paper cup filled with distilled vinegar to create your "lava" (figure B).
- Carefully pour the colored vinegar into the opening in the top of the volcano. After a moment, it will begin to "erupt"(figure C). Pour the rest of the vinegar into the volcano in even increments to repeat.
Note: Once the cup is empty, you'll need to let the baking soda inside dry out completely before the volcano can erupt again.
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