Welcome to the exciting world of science and fun! Making fun homemade experiments for kids volcanoes with children is an educational and entertaining activity that combines creativity, experimentation and the excitement of witnessing a simulated volcanic eruption. This project not only allows little scientists to explore the basic principles of chemistry and physics, but also encourages teamwork and sparks curiosity about the world around them.

The idea of creating a volcano at home may seem complicated, but with simple, safe materials, as well as the right guidance, this activity becomes an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike. Plus, the fun doesn't end with building the volcano; The highlight is, of course, the eruption, where children can watch the fascinating chemical reaction that simulates the lava and smoke expelled by a real volcano. Of course, the little ones must be with an adult for safety, so you will have fun too. We also recommend comfortable clothing, such as what you can find at Kiddus. On the site you will see  childrens watches to control the time of the activity and sunglasses for children so that the children do not lose sight of a single moment. 

You will also find other articles that will teach you how to use different materials to carry out experiments or objects for the little ones. An example is the article: 12 toys with recycled material for children.

Throughout this project, little explorers will learn about common ingredients that, when combined, create an effervescent, foamy reaction. They will also be able to personalize their volcanoes with creative details, thus stimulating their imagination and artistic skills. Although we know that the colors of volcanoes are usually dark, like earth colors, we can paint the volcano any color we like the most. Can you imagine a purple volcano, like on Saturn? Or red like on Mars? We can paint our volcano any color we want!

Get ready to embark on an educational and exciting journey to the heart of the Earth by building and erupting your own homemade volcanoes!

What is a volcano?

A volcano is a geological structure that forms on the Earth's surface when materials such as lava, ash, and gases are expelled from the Earth's interior through openings in the Earth's crust. In simple terms, it is an eruption of a liquid mass (such as lava) or solids (such as rocks) due to very strong pressure under the Earth's mantle. These openings are known as volcanic ducts or chimneys. Volcanic activity is linked to the Earth's internal processes, such as plate tectonic activity and heat generated in the Earth's mantle. There are times when the plates move and when they collide, they produce an eruption. Or when the temperature rises too high, volcanoes erupt. It will almost always have to do with a tectonic movement.

Volcanoes can have different shapes and sizes, from small hills to majestic mountains (like the volcanoes that exist in Argentina and Chile). Its activity can vary from explosive eruptions to quieter lava emissions. Lava, which is magma (molten rock) that has reached the surface, cools and solidifies, creating layers of rock that eventually form the volcano's characteristic structure. In the past, volcanoes were greatly respected since they believed not only in their destructive power but also in their healing power, because the waters near them, the hot springs, were said to have healing powers. Volcanoes are key elements in the formation and evolution of the Earth's crust. Additionally, volcanic activity can have significant impacts on the environment, as it can influence the climate, topography, and biodiversity of surrounding areas. We have seen cities, islands and even portions of countries born and die in the hands of volcanoes. Today we still cannot predict when the next eruption will be, but we can monitor to warn people of the imminent danger.

What is the origin of volcanoes?

The origin of volcanoes is linked to internal geological processes of the Earth, mainly associated with plate tectonic activity and the presence of magma in the Earth's mantle. Before making one at home, let's chat a little about what exactly they are so the little ones learn a little about geology. Here is a more detailed explanation:

Plate Tectonic Activity

The Earth's lithosphere is divided into several tectonic plates that float on the mantle. These plates are in constant motion due to the convection of hot material inside the Earth. Interactions between these plates can lead to the formation of volcanoes. Let's give a simple example, if you take a peach, you will see that it has a skin, a flesh and a pit. This is how the earth is made up, in layers. Some are softer and others are harder. The peach has no movements but the earth does.

Subduction

One of the most common processes that leads to the formation of volcanoes is subduction, which occurs when one tectonic plate sinks beneath another. When this happens, the sinking plate can heat up and partially melt into the mantle. The resulting magma is less dense and tends to rise, finding its way to the surface and creating volcanoes in the subduction zone. Let's think about this: the outer layers of the earth are colder, that's why we can walk on them. When we touch the grass or the ground, we don't burn our feet. But as we go deeper into the layers, they become hotter. Don't worry, if you dig a hole in the ground, you won't get burned, but if you go thousands of thousands of meters inside, you will feel it. Sometimes (we still don't understand why) these plates move (like in an earthquake) and one gets inside the other. This causes it to melt and that remaining heat and lava must go somewhere. That's where the eruptions occur.

Ocean Floor Expansion

At mid-ocean ridges, tectonic plates separate and allow magma to rise from the mantle to form new oceanic crust material. This process creates underwater volcanoes and contributes to the growth of the ocean floor. There are not only tectonic movements on the surface, but also below. This is how new “terrains” and structures emerge on the seabed. We are not going to lie to you, fish hate these movements.

Hotspots

Hotspots are areas of intense volcanic activity that are not directly associated with tectonic plate boundaries. These hot spots are believed to be caused by columns of hot magma rising from the mantle, piercing the lithosphere and generating volcanoes. As the plate moves over the hot spot, island chains can form. Look at a map of Asia, right near the Pacific, you will see many small islands. These are produced, many times, by Hotspots.

Parts of a volcano

A volcano consists of several distinctive parts, each with its specific function in the process of eruption and formation of the volcanic structure. Here are the main parts of a volcano:

Magmatic Chamber

It is the underground reservoir where magma accumulates. The magma chamber is the source of lava and other materials expelled during a volcanic eruption. It is the heart of the volcano.

Conduction or Volcanic Chimney

It is a narrow conduit that connects the magma chamber with the surface. Through this opening, magma rises to the surface during an eruption. It is the viaduct that carries lava out.

Crater

It is the opening at the top of the volcano, located at the top of the chimney. During an eruption, lava, gases and other materials are expelled through the crater. It is what we see as the mouth of the volcano.

Volcano flank

They are the slopes or sides of the volcano that are formed by the accumulation of layers of lava and other materials expelled during previous eruptions. Here we can find the hot springs.

Window

They can be lateral openings in the flank of the volcano through which lava and other materials can come out during an eruption, in addition to the main crater.

Flank Line

It is the path that lava follows as it flows down from the crater or windows of the volcano. The solidified lava along this route forms what are known as lava flows.

Base or Pedestal

It is the lower part of the volcano and marks the boundary between the volcanic structure and its surrounding environment. Here are the lava residues that came out first.

Volcanic ash

During an eruption, the volcano can expel ash, which consists of fine fragments of pulverized volcanic rock. Ash can be transported by wind and affect large areas around the volcano.

Gas Cloud

In addition to lava and ash, volcanoes also emit gases such as water vapor, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide during an eruption.

How to make a volcano?

Making a homemade volcano is a fun and educational activity, especially for children. Here's a basic guide to creating a simple volcano project with common materials. This model simulates a volcanic eruption using an effervescent mixture to generate foam. Make sure you do the activity in an easy-to-clean area, as there could be spills. You can use aprons made by you and avoid accidents on your clothes.

Materials:

• Empty, clean plastic bottle (500 ml or larger): It will represent the magma chamber.
• Large tray or base: To contain the overflow of the mixture.
• Cardboard or paper mache: To create the shape of the volcano.
• Newspaper or kitchen paper: To cover and give texture to the volcano.
• Acrylic or tempera paint: To decorate the volcano.
• Baking soda: It will simulate effervescent lava.
• Vinegar: It will act as the reagent agent for the chemical reaction.
• Liquid dish detergent: You can add this to make the mixture foamier (optional).
• Food coloring: To give color to the mixture (optional).

Steps:

• Prepare the base of the volcano:
• Form the volcano structure with cardboard or paper mache.
• Cover the frame with newspaper or kitchen paper, using glue or a mixture of water and flour to hold it in place.
• Paint the volcano with realistic colors.

Locate the bottle:

• Place the plastic bottle on top of the volcano. Make sure it is securely attached to represent the magma chamber.

Prepare the effervescent mixture:

• In the bottle, place about a tablespoon of baking soda.
• Add a few drops of liquid detergent (optional) and food coloring if desired.

 Simulates the eruption:

• Pour vinegar into the bottle. Watch the effervescent reaction that simulates a volcanic eruption!

Remember that this is an activity to do under supervision, especially for the little ones. Also, keep in mind that the fizz may be short-lived, so if you want to repeat the fizz, simply clean the bottle and repeat the steps.

Another way is the volcano experiment with effervescent pills. It is an exciting and easy variant to make. Here is a step-by-step guide to performing this experiment:

Materials:

• Empty, clean plastic bottle (500 ml or larger): It will represent the magma chamber.
• Large tray or base: To contain the overflow of the mixture.
• Cardboard or paper mache: To create the shape of the volcano.
• Newspaper or kitchen paper: To cover and give texture to the volcano.
• Acrylic or tempera paint: To decorate the volcano.
• Effervescent tablets (such as Alka-Seltzer): They will simulate the volcanic eruption.
• Water: To activate the effervescent tablets.
• Liquid dish detergent: You can add this to make the mixture foamier (optional).
• Food coloring: To give color to the mixture (optional).

Steps:

• Prepare the base of the volcano:
• Form the volcano structure with cardboard or paper mache.
• Cover the frame with newspaper or kitchen paper, using glue or a mixture of water and flour to hold it in place.
• Paint the volcano with realistic colors.

Locate the bottle:

• Place the plastic bottle on top of the volcano. Make sure it is securely attached to represent the magma chamber.

Prepare the effervescent mixture:

• Fill the bottle with water to about 1/4 or 1/3 full.
• Add a few drops of liquid detergent (optional) and food coloring if desired.

Simulates the eruption:

• Place an effervescent tablet in the bottle.

Watch as the pills begin to release gas and create a foamy eruption that simulates volcanic activity!

You can repeat the process with new effervescent tablets to continue the fun. This experiment is not only entertaining, but also provides an opportunity to discuss scientific concepts such as the acid-base reaction and the release of gases during a volcanic eruption. Enjoy the exciting spectacle of your own effervescent volcano!

Conclusion

Making homemade volcanoes with children is much more than a simple science experiment. It is an exciting opportunity to explore and learn in a practical way, stimulating both creativity and scientific curiosity in children. Through this experience, children not only build a visually appealing model of a volcano, but also participate in an educational process that spans various disciplines. It's like going to school, but much more fun.

This project offers valuable scientific lessons about geology and chemistry, allowing children to tangibly understand how volcanic eruptions and the formation of geological structures occur. At the same time, it encourages experimentation and critical thinking as children observe the chemical reactions that occur when mixing ingredients. Remember that it is much easier for little ones to learn something through play and experience than from a book or a video on YouTube.

The activity also promotes social and collaborative skills, as children can work together on building the volcano, share creative ideas, and experiment with different variations of the experiment. Additionally, the artistic component of decorating the volcano adds an additional dimension of creative expression. Allow them to paint the color they want or let the lava be the color they want. It's also good that they tell you why they have chosen each color. They could also use it to talk about emotions. How it is better to speak on time than to wait to be angry and explode.

Remember that at Kiddus you will find clothing for the little ones. The watch can help them understand time and its processes, and the glasses can help them see everything more clearly without feeling embarrassed. It is better to be prepared and with the corresponding clothing.