This fizzy science activity is a fun way for kids to engage independently in a small group activity. Fun and learning go together when activities are colorful, engaging, and hands-on. Be prepared for a little mess and a whole lot of fun with this mini volcano activity.

 
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Kids love making things that bubble and fizz. That's why volcano activities are so popular. 

A mini volcano 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 for the volcano.

Making smaller volcanoes is ideal for a small group activity, in an early learning classroom or at a birthday party, where each participant benefits from the hands-on interaction. Kids can choose colors and add ingredients for a personalized volcano.

A mini volcano is also a practical alternative when space is at a minimum. 

A smaller size volcano doesn't diminish the amount of fun or the benefits of experimentation and observation. Kids will love participating in the activity with their own supplies.

This activity is easy to set up with some recyclables and basic craft supplies.

Supplies for mini volcano

• transparent pudding snack pack container

• baking soda

• vinegar

• squeeze bottle

• washable kids paint or 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!

Prepare the area where the activity will take place

Cover your table with a drop cloth, and protect clothing with cover-ups. Set out a large container to pour vinegar into after the volcanoes erupt in the small dishes. Then the experiment can be repeated.

Each participant should have a container filled with baking soda and a squeeze bottle for vinegar. 

Prepare the containers that will become volcanoes

1. Cut a hole in the bottom of each container. This becomes the top opening of the volcano called a vent.

Follow this link for more useful information about volcanoes.

2. Spread glue on the narrow top edge of the container with a glue gun.

See-through containers allow for greater observation of the chemical process.

3. Press the glued edge into a foam dish or 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.

4. Fill a squeeze bottle with vinegar. 

5. Fill small containers with baking soda, one for each participant.

Create a volcano with kids

1. Add 5 or 6 spoonfuls of baking soda to opening in top of the volcano.

2. Add each child's color choice to the vinegar bottles.

3. Squeeze vinegar over the soda.

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

Trial and error

1. We tried dropping kids paint into the volcano with the soda before adding the vinegar. When the vinegar was added, the soda fizzed up without the paint colors. 

2. We tried using kids eyedroppers to transfer the vinegar from a dish to the volcano but we couldn't get a large enough quantity of vinegar at a time to result in a volcanic eruption. 

Do you have any comments or suggestions?

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 engage in the activity. And their interest in scientific observation will be increased as they explore and discover with a mini volcano!

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