Using spray foam to create a volcano will make the project much quicker and less messy than using other methods. Making a volcano from spray foam will also make the volcano light weight and easy to carry, which is a plus if a child will have to carry the project to school. Spray foam can be purchased online or at any home improvement store. To make the foam volcano eruption more dramatic, add a couple drops of food coloring to the volcano mixture.
- 2 liter empty pop bottle
- Spray paint
- Baking soda
- Foam insulation spray
- 1/2-inch-thick plywood
- Dish soap
- 1 packet of yeast
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Rubber gloves
- Dust mask
- Food coloring (optional)
- Funnel
Use two to three colors of spray paint to make the volcano look more realistic.
Keep the pop bottle lid to make the project easy to carry without spilling anything.
Spray paints should only be used in well-ventilated areas.
Wear gloves and a dust mask when working with spray foam and spray paints.
Place the empty 2 liter pop bottle in the center of a 1/2-inch-thick plywood square piece, cut to 12 by 12 for the base.
Spray the foam insulation, starting at the bottom of the pop bottle. Be sure to seal the pop bottle to the plywood when spraying on the first coil of foam around the bottom of the bottle. Layer the coils of foam spray on top of the previous one until you get to the top of the bottle. Do not cover the top of the pop bottle. Allow the volcano to dry.
Spray the volcano with spray paint in the color of your choice. Allow the paint to dry.
Add 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide to the pop bottle using a funnel.
Put 2 drops of dish soap into the pop bottle.
Add 1 tsp. of yeast to 1/2 cup of warm water to dissolve the yeast.
Pour the yeast mixture into the pop bottle with the funnel to make the volcano erupt.
Things You'll Need
Tips
Warnings
About the Author
Kay Baxter is a freelance writer that has been writing articles since 1999 on a variety of subjects such as small equine and art instruction. Her book "Miniature Horse Conformation" was published in 2007. Baxter has also had articles published by "Better Homes & Garden" and "The Horse Magazine." Baxter attended Illinois Central College, majoring in art.
Photo Credits
young volcano image by Julien Loiseaux from Fotolia.com