This pretend volcano is a fun way for kids to participate in a fizzy science activity. Be prepared for a little mess and a whole lot of fun with this mini volcano activity.
Privacy and Disclosure for information on the use of affiliates and cookies
Kids love making things that bubble! fizz! pop! That’s why pretend volcano activities are so popular. A smaller size volcano doesn’t diminish the amount of fun or the benefits of experimentation and observation.
Fun and learning go together when activities are colorful and engaging. Get kids excited about science with this hands-on project.
The activity is conducted in the same way as a regular sized kid-made volcano activity. The only difference is that a smaller sized container is used to make the volcano.
The smaller version has its advantages.
- A mini volcano is a practical alternative when space is at a minimum.
- Mini volcanoes are ideal for a small group activity in an early learning classroom or at a birthday party at home.
Each participant benefits from the hands-on interaction.
Kids can choose colors and add ingredients for a personalized volcano.
Mini volcano kids science
This activity is easy to set up with some recyclables and basic craft supplies.
Gather the supplies for a mini volcano experiment.
- clean pudding or yogurt container
- baking soda
- vinegar
- squeeze bottle
- food coloring
- glue gun
- foam container
You can easily set up the activity with whatever containers you have on hand.
I recommend transparent containers so kids can watch the volcano bubbling from the bottom to the top!
Set up the mini volcano experiment.
1. Prepare the area where the activity will take place.
Cover your table with a drop cloth. Protect clothing with cover-ups.
Set out a large container to pour leftover vinegar into after the volcanoes erupt so it can be reused in the experiment.
Provide each participant with a container for baking soda and a squeeze bottle for vinegar.
2. Prepare the containers that will become volcanoes.
Cut a hole in the bottom of each container. This becomes the top opening of the volcano called a vent.
Spread glue onto the narrow top edge of the container with a glue gun.
- See-through containers allow for greater observation of the chemical process.
Press the glued edge into a foam dish or plastic container.
We separated a 5 inch (12 cm) hinged carry-out container which provided two dishes.
These dishes will collect the lava when it erupts from the volcano.
Conduct the experiment.
Add baking soda to opening in top of the volcano – three or four scoops – with a spoon.
Add a drop of coloring to the vinegar bottle. Squeeze vinegar over the soda.
Make observations.
Observe the lava flow!
The amount of ingredients can be adjusted to achieve the greatest lava flow.
Continue adding ingredients to repeat the experiment a few more times.
Kids can observe:
- the mixing of the ingredients as they are being added
- the chemical reaction inside the container forcing the liquid ‘lava’ to the top of the volcano
- the movement of the solution outside the container as it flows down the sides of the volcano
Review our trial and error.
1. Add paint instead of food coloring.
We tried dropping kids paint into the volcano on top of the soda before adding the vinegar.
When the vinegar was added, the soda fizzed up without the paint colors.
2. Add vinegar with eyedropper instead of squeeze bottle.
We tried using eyedroppers to transfer the vinegar from a dish to the volcano.
It didn’t provide a large enough quantity of vinegar at a time to result in a volcanic eruption.
Fizzy science for kids
This mini volcano is perfect with just one child at a time, or in a small group activity at home or in the classroom.
Preschoolers will benefit from exercising small motor, sensory and cognitive skills as they explore and discover with a mini volcano! Their interest in scientific observation will be increased as they engage in the hands-on fun.
Experimenting with materials promotes hands-on fun and learning. Put a little bubble, fizz and pop in your day!
