Take science outside with an easy SANDBOX VOLCANO! When the weather is nice, try simple summer science experiments outdoors for a real hit with the kids. From pulleys to homemade ice cream, to bursting bags, this baking soda vinegar volcano is one of the coolest and easiest science activities for kids this season.
BEST SANDBOX VOLCANO ERUPTION EVER!
Baking Soda Volcano Experiments
We do love all things that erupt and have been exploring different ways to create eruptions while having fun through play. The science activities that fizz, pop, erupt, bang, and explode are awesome for kids of all ages!
Here are a few of our favorite volcano eruptions…
- Pumpkin Volcano
- Lemon Volcano
- Volcano Slime
- LEGO Volcano
- Dinosaur Volcano
- Snow Volcano
- Watermelon Volcano
When the weather is nice, doing your science activities outdoors is an awesome idea! Building a sandbox volcano is an outdoor science activity with a quick clean-up.
What we love about these science activities is the extra play factor that is organically included. You can see what I mean at the end of this post.
Watch the Volcano Video
How Does a Volcano Erupt?
Well, it’s not because of baking soda and vinegar! But it is due to escaping gasses and pressure. You can use a homemade volcano with a baking soda and vinegar chemical reaction to mimic the gas produced in a volcano. Baking soda and vinegar are the best ingredients for a simple volcano eruption!
The chemical reaction produces a gas (read more about how it works further on) which pushes the liquid up and out of the container. This is similar to an actual volcano where gas builds up underneath the earth’s surface and forces the magma up through the hole in the volcano, causing an eruption.
Some volcanoes erupt with an explosive spray of lava and ash, whereas some, like the active volcano in Hawaii, the lava flows out the opening. It all depends on the shape and the opening! The more confined space, the more explosive the eruption.
Our sandbox volcano is an excellent example of an explosive volcano. Another similar example is our mentos and coke experiment.
Grab This Free Volcano Facts Pack.
Add cool volcano facts to your sandbox volcano demonstration with this free activity pack. Click here for your volcano facts pack.
What is the scientific method?
The scientific method is a process or method of research. A problem is identified, information about the problem is gathered, a hypothesis or question is formulated from the information, and the hypothesis is put to the test with an experiment to prove or disprove its validity. Sounds heavy…
What in the world does that mean?!? The scientific method should be used as a guide to help lead the process. It’s not set in stone.
You don’t need to try and solve the world’s biggest science questions! The scientific method is all about studying and learning things right around you.
As kids develop practices that involve creating, gathering data evaluating, analyzing, and communicating, they can apply these critical thinking skills to any situation. Click here to learn more about the scientific method and how to use it.
Even though the scientific method feels like it is just for big kids…
This method can be used with kids of all ages! Have a casual conversation with younger kiddos, or do a more formal notebook entry with older kiddos!
Easy Sandbox Volcano with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Also, look at our salt dough volcano project as an alternative!
SUPPLIES:
- sandbox with sand (try our sand slime or sand foam too)
- water
- baking soda
- vinegar
- 16oz water bottle
- food coloring (optional)
You can also try adding dish soap for an even foamier fizzing eruption. Just a few drops are all that is needed.
BAKING SODA VOLCANO SET UP
STEP 1. Fill the water bottle about a third full (mix in optional food coloring) and add about 5 teaspoons of baking soda to it. Put the water bottle cap back on until you are ready.
STEP 2. Build a sand mountain or sand volcano around the bottle.
STEP 3. Uncap the bottle and pour a good amount, probably a cup of vinegar into the bottle.
Quick, get out of the way and watch the huge eruption!
Try These Additional Volcano Project Ideas
If you don’t want to use baking soda and vinegar, here are a few other ways to produce an eruption.
- Hydrogen Peroxide and Yeast (Elephant Toothpaste)
- Mentos and Diet Coke (Mentos Volcano)
We have been working on simple science concepts. Repeating similar types of experiments builds knowledge and reinforces learning skills. Young kids need simple concepts repeated for greater understanding.
Check out our science activities for preschoolers!
Try a few ways and you will be amazed at how much they remember. This will build confidence for new learning experiences and curiosity to try new experiments!
The heavy machines were standing by ready for work!
More Fun Fizzing Experiments
Click on the image below or on the link for more fun summer science experiments.
MORE HELPFUL SCIENCE RESOURCES
SCIENCE VOCABULARY
It is never too early to introduce some fantastic science words to kids. Get them started with a printable science vocabulary word list. You will want to incorporate these simple science terms into your next science lesson!
WHAT IS A SCIENTIST
Think like a scientist! Act like a scientist! Scientists like you and me are also curious about the world around them. Learn about the different types of scientists and what they do to increase their understanding of their specific areas of interest. Read What Is A Scientist
SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS
Sometimes the best way to introduce science concepts is through a colorfully illustrated book with characters your kids can relate to! Check out this fantastic list of science books that are teacher approved and get ready to spark curiosity and exploration!
SCIENCE PRACTICES
A new approach to teaching science is called the Best Science Practices. These eight science and engineering practices are less structured and allow for a more free**-**flowing approach to problem-solving and finding answers to questions. These skills are critical to developing future engineers, inventors, and scientists!
Printable Science Project Pack with 52+ Experiments
Templates, instructions, observation sheets and more for over 52+ science projects and experiments. Perfect for kids in Kinderaten through Middle School.
Will this ruin the existing sand in the box? THaks!
We did not have a problem with it. If you are concerned you can scoop out the used sand or you could put a bin inside the sand box and have kids build the volcano inside it.