Fizzing Volcano
Bicarb, vinegar, and a reliable shriek of delight.
- Ages
- 2–10 yrs
- Play
- 10–25 min
- Prep
- 5 min
- Mess
- messy
- Energy
- lively
- Where
- at the table
You’ll need
Things you probably have at home.
- baking sodaGet it on Amazon
- white vinegarGet it on Amazon
- a tray with a rimGet it on Amazon
Optional
- food coloringGet it on Amazon
- a squirt of dish soapGet it on Amazon
- a cup or bottle for the craterGet it on Amazon
- a dropperGet it on Amazon
How to play
Before you start: Put a cup in the middle of a rimmed tray. Spoon two tablespoons of bicarb into it.
Add a drop of food coloring and a squirt of dish soap to the cup — the soap makes the foam last.
Hand them a small pitcher of vinegar.
Let them pour. Stand back.
When it stops, add more bicarb and go again — it will erupt several times.
Ask them what they think is making the bubbles, and listen to the answer before offering yours.
What it helps with
Keep it safe
- Vinegar stings eyes. Keep faces back from the crater.
- Do this on a tray, not a bare table, unless you enjoy mopping.
Make it different next time
- Build a mountain of damp sand or dough around the cup first.
- Try lemon juice instead of vinegar and compare.
Cleanup: It is only bicarb and vinegar — a cloth and the sink will do it.
Three more like this
Learn something
Fizzy Drips
15–30 min 2–7 yrs Some mess- baking soda
- white vinegar
- food coloring
- droppers or a teaspoon
