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Activity: Volcanic action

Materials:
Tall cup, tub or deep tray, sand or gravel, baking soda, vinegar, food coloring
Time:
30 minutes
Skills:
Earth science, chemistry

Volcanoes erupt when the molten lava from the hot interior of the earth comes up through the earth's surface due to an eruption underground. You can simulate this volcanic action in your own backyard as you stimulate your child's interest in science. Follow the instructions below for you and your child to create your own eruption:

  1. Place the cup, mouth up, in the middle of the tray, and build up around it with wet sand or gravel to form a mountain with a hole in the top.
  2. Pour 1 cup of vinegar in the cup and add a few drops of red food coloring.
  3. Stir in 1/4 cup of baking soda and watch the volcano erupt!