This classic volcano experiment is a fun way to explore chemical reactions using simple household items. Choose the level that fits your child’s age and confidence — then log it in KiddoLog to build a learning record.
What kids will learn (without it feeling like “school”)
- Chemical reactions (acid + base)
- Gas formation (carbon dioxide bubbles)
- Observation skills (what changes, what stays the same)
- Cause & effect (what happens when we change ingredients)
- Vocabulary: reaction, gas, bubbles, eruption
Jump to a difficulty level
🧰 Supplies (used for all levels)
- Baking soda (bicarb)
- Vinegar
- Small cup or bottle (goes inside the volcano)
- Tray or large plate (recommended!)
- Optional: dish soap (for extra foam)
- Optional: food colouring
- Optional: spoon + measuring cups
Easy Volcano (Quick & Fun)
Best for younger kids or first-timers. Minimal measuring, maximum excitement!
Steps
- Put your cup/bottle on a tray.
- Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Optional: add a few drops of food colouring.
- Pour in ¼ cup vinegar and watch it bubble!
“What did you see and hear when the vinegar went in?”
Moderate Volcano (Bigger Eruption)
Add a few extras and start experimenting with “what happens if…”.
Extra items (optional but fun)
- Dish soap (for foam)
- Food colouring
- A teaspoon for measuring
Steps
- Put your cup/bottle on a tray.
- Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Add 1 small squirt of dish soap.
- Add a few drops of food colouring.
- Pour in ⅓ cup vinegar and watch the foam erupt!
“What do you think the dish soap changed?”
Hard Volcano (Mini Science Challenge)
This version turns the volcano into a simple experiment: test changes and compare results. Great for older kids or siblings working together.
Challenge setup
- Use 3 small cups (or repeat the experiment 3 times)
- Keep baking soda the same each time
- Change one thing per test
Try these 3 tests
- Test A: 2 tbsp baking soda + ¼ cup vinegar
- Test B: 2 tbsp baking soda + ¼ cup vinegar + dish soap
- Test C: 2 tbsp baking soda + ⅓ cup vinegar
“Which test made the biggest eruption? Which lasted the longest? What stayed the same?”
🔍 What’s happening? (Simple explanation)
Baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid. When they mix, they create a gas called carbon dioxide. The gas forms bubbles that push the liquid up and out — like a mini eruption!
Dish soap doesn’t make more gas — it helps trap the bubbles, which makes the eruption look foamier.
📓 Log it in KiddoLog (fast + easy)
- Subject: Science (Chemistry)
- Activity: Baking Soda & Vinegar Volcano
- Skills: Observation, cause & effect, experimenting
- Evidence: Add a photo of the eruption + child’s notes
- “What happened when we mixed them?”
- “What did you notice first?”
- “What would you change next time?”
❓ Volcano Experiment FAQ
The Easy version works well from around ages 4+ with supervision. The Moderate and Hard versions are great for ages 6–12, especially if your child enjoys testing and comparing results.
Yes! Dish soap is optional. It mainly makes the eruption look foamier by trapping bubbles.
Try using fresh baking soda, adding a little more vinegar, or using a smaller cup so the bubbles rise faster. Dish soap can also make it look more dramatic.
A photo of the eruption, your child’s predictions (“I think it will…”) and a quick note about what changed (more vinegar, added soap, different amounts) makes a perfect learning record.
Definitely — repeating it is where the real learning happens. Try changing one thing at a time and compare results like a mini science investigation.
Want to keep a record of your homeschool learning?
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