Have you always been fascinated by volcanoes? Huge mountains spiting out smoke, ash and liquid fire seem to be nature’s most furious acts. You can have your own volcano in fact! Yes, making a volcano model at home is a sure shot way to pass time on lazy holiday afternoons and will also teach children a thing or two about the power of nature. Many schools give volcano models and crafts as science projects and parents are the one who usually wonder as to how to go about making this thing! So read on for easy instructions on how to make a volcano!
You Need:
- Baking soda
- Brushes
- Clear sealant
- Empty 2-liter bottle
- Glue
- Liquid dish soap
- Newspaper
- Paper-Mache paste or salt dough or plaster
- Plywood sheet
- Red food coloring
- Spray or acrylic paints
- White vinegar
Instructions:
- The ground (base) of the volcano is to be made with the sheet of plywood, which should be atleast 8 inches longer and wider than the perimeter of the volcano. This is to prevent the lava from flowing out of the base and spoiling surroundings.
- Make the mountain using Paper Mache or dough and plaster. For this, place an empty bottle without the lid right at the center of the plywood sheet. If you feel it may topple over, apply some glue at its bottom so that it stays in place.
- Now form the mouth of the volcano by surrounding the mouth of the bottle with Paper Mache or dough or plaster. Begin building the mountain from the mouth and slowly come down forming a slope. Make an undulated mountain so that the lava has to go through ups and downs before reaching the base.
- Make sure that the plaster dries off completely before you begin painting it with acrylics. Spray paint is another option by which you can paint your mountain. Use browns with patches of gray and greens. For artificial trees, use aquarium plants and stick them here and there. Use gravel and sand that you may find in the garden near your house to line up the base of the mountain.
- Now, mix one tbsp. baking soda, 1 tbsp. liquid dish washing soap and 2-3 drops of red food color in a small cup. Place this mixture inside the mountain through the opening at the top. Make sure you don’t spill it inside!
- The volcano should preferably be placed in an open area where, even if it spews out, it won’t really spoil anything. Now, carefully pour a bit of white vinegar into the mouth of the volcano and stand back. Your volcano will explode and spew lava in no time!
