Volcano Science Project

The following sample volcano science project experiment is meant to give you ideas on how to perform experiments and arrange your project. Use this science project to come up with ideas for your own experiments.

Volcano Science Project

This volcano science project compares the reactive effects of yeast and hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and vinegar, and baking soda and lemon juice to discover which mixture produces the most explosive reaction.

Background:

Research information on volcanoes, volcanic eruptions, acid/base reactions, and decomposition reactions. Answer the following questions: How can volcanic eruptions be simulated with models? What happens when acids and bases are mixed? Why do these chemical reactions occur? What are decomposition reactions?

Hypothesis:

From your research you should discover why chemical reactions occur when certain substances are mixed. From this you will predict which mixed substances (yeast and hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and vinegar, or baking soda and lemon juice) will produce the most explosive eruption in your volcano.

Materials: (Adult supervision of kids is always recommended.)

• Volcano model - Suggested volcano kits:

Science Kit: Our Amazing Volcanoes	ages 8 and up
Scientifics Online: Smithsonian Giant Volcano Kit	ages 8 and up

• Lemon juice
  
  
• Vinegar
  
  
• Hydrogen peroxide
  
  
• Baking soda
  
  
• Packet of rapid rise yeast
  
  
• Liquid dish soap
  
  
• Water
  
  
• Red food coloring
  
  
• Measuring cups
  
  
• Spoon
  
  
• Straw
  
  
• Measuring tape
  
  

Procedure:

1. Gather materials needed for your experiment.

2. Assemble your volcano following instructions and safety precautions in your kit.

3. In a cup, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap, 1/4 cup water, and 3 drops of red food coloring. Pour mixture into the "mouth" of your volcano (eruption bottle).

4. Pour 1/4 cup of lemon juice into the mouth of your volcano.

5. Watch and record what happens.

6. Measure the distance the lava travels from the volcano base.

7. Clean area for next experiment.

8. Repeat step 3.

9. Repeat step 4 substituting 1/4 cup vinegar for lemon juice.

10. Repeat steps 5-7.

11. Add 2 teaspoons of quick-rising yeast into the mouth of your volcano.

12. Measure 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide in a cup and add 3 drops of red food coloring.

13. Pour hydrogen peroxide mixture into the mouth of your volcano and stir with a straw.

14. Repeat steps 5-6.

Results:

Compare your results. Describe how each eruption looked. Which reaction was most explosive? Why? Describe the types of reactions that occurred in your volcano science project experiment. Graph and chart your data.

Conclusion:

Summarize what happened in your volcano science project experiment based on your results. Explain patterns in your data. Did your data support your hypothesis? If not, explain why. Evaluate your project and make suggestions for improvements.

More Science Projects for Kids Samples:

Science Projects for Kids

Search for more information related to a Volcano Science Project