Is there any school science project more classic than the exploding volcano? Every generation of kids loves this explosive (and messy!) experiment, which is usually a take on acid-base reactions. Here are our favorite volcano science experiments and projects, along with some well-reviewed DIY kits that make the process easier.
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1. Classic Baking Soda Volcano Experiment
This classic experiment teaches kids about simple chemical reactions and physical properties. The best part? It’s easy to do and uses only a few basic ingredients. Check out the link below for a step-by-step guide and free printable student recording sheet.
Learn more: Baking Soda Volcano Experiment
2. Papier-mâché Volcano Experiment
Here it is, the original papier-mâché volcano! The volcano is built around a jar inside that holds the vinegar and baking soda for the eruption itself. Add a little dish soap to make the “lava” foamier and more impressive.
Learn more: Craft Cue
3. Salt Dough Volcano Experiment
Salt dough is a little easier to work with than papier-mâché, and you can make your volcano pretty realistic looking. Otherwise, the process is the same, and so is the fun!
Learn more: Teach Beside Me
4. National Geographic Ultimate Volcano Kit
Make things easier by getting all the supplies you need in a volcano science experiments kit. This one has thousands of positive reviews on Amazon and comes with a volcano mold you can use again and again.
Learn more: National Geographic Ultimate Volcano Kit/Amazon
5. Playdough Volcano Experiment
Want a quick version of the volcano experiment? Use playdough to build a volcano around a small beaker, then create the baking soda and vinegar reaction. Fast and fun!
Learn more: Life Over Cs
6. Snow Volcano Experiment
Volcano science experiments can be messy, there’s no doubt about it. That’s why this snow volcano is so brilliant! Take the mess outside and let nature help with cleanup.
Learn more: Science Sparks
7. Playz Volcanic Eruption & Lava Lab Science Kit
This volcano science kit comes with not one but two erupting volcanoes! There are enough supplies for multiple eruptions too.
Learn more: Playz Volcanic Eruption & Lava Lab Science Kit/Amazon
8. Lemon Volcano Science Experiment
Lemon juice is full of acid, so this fruit is the perfect material for volcano science experiments. Just add a little dish soap (and food coloring for fun). Then top with baking soda and watch the fizzy eruption! Enjoy this one? Try it with apples too!
Learn more: Lemon Volcano/Beyond the Playroom
9. Learning Resources Beaker Creatures Bubbling Volcano Kit
This kit is perfect for the younger crowd. It includes several different fizzing experiments, including a “reactor pod” that you drop into your volcano to reveal a collectible little Beaker Creature.
Learn more: Learning Resources Beaker Creatures Bubbling Volcano Kit/Amazon
10. Pop Rocks Volcano
Watch a volcano video and you’ll hear all sorts of popping and cracking sounds. You can recreate that effect in your DIY experiment by adding Pop Rocks candy to make a sound volcano!
Learn more: Growing a Jeweled Rose
11. Stemclas Volcano Science Kit
If you’re looking for a truly basic volcano kit, this is the one. No frills, no extras—just a model volcano and the materials you need to make it erupt.
Learn more: Stemclas Volcano Science Kit/Amazon
12. Rainbow Volcano Experiment
Lava can take on different colors depending on the temperature and chemical composition. So make a rainbow of fizzing “lava” of your own using food coloring!
Learn more: Green Kids Crafts
13. Underwater Volcano Experiment
Not all volcanos erupt on land—some are found underwater. This experiment uses the different densities of hot and cold water to make the volcano “erupt.”
Learn more: Mombrite
14. Fizzing Volcano Lava Slime
Volcanoes plus slime? It’s every kid’s dream! Mix up some fizzing lava slime that’s much safer to play with than real molten lava! (Make this project even easier by getting all the supplies you need in the Volcano Slime Kit from KiwiCo.)
Learn more: Little Bins for Little Hands
15. Look Inside a Volcano Experiment
This volcano science experiment digs deeper, laying out items like the magma chamber, crater, and central and secondary vents. The eruption is impressive, and now you can see how happens!
Learn more: 123Homeschool4Me
16. Pumpkin Volcano Experiment
When is a pumpkin not a pumpkin? When it’s a volcano! This is an awesome project to take out onto the playground on a sunny fall day.
Learn more: Hillary’s Teaching Adventures
