Take science outdoors with a SANDBOX VOLCANO! When the weather is nice, try simple science experiments outside for a real hit with the kids. From pulleys to homemade ice cream, to bursting bags, this baking soda volcano is one of the coolest and easiest science activity for kids. Simple science and STEM activities are perfect for young kids.
BEST SANDBOX VOLCANO ERUPTION EVER!
BAKING SODA SCIENCE
We do love all things that erupt and have been exploring a few different ways to create eruptions while having fun through play. Science that fizzes, pops, erupts, bangs, and explodes are pretty awesome for kids of all ages.
When the weather is nice, it’s an awesome idea to take STEM and science outdoors! Building a sandbox volcano is definitely an outdoor science activity with a quick clean up.
What we really love about science activities or demonstrations like these, is the extra play factor that is organically included. You can see what I mean at the end of this post.
SANDBOX VOLCANO SUPPLIES
sandbox with sand {make sure to try our sand slime 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 is all that is needed.
SANDBOX VOLCANO SET UP
Fill water bottle about a third full (mix in optional food coloring)
Add about 5 teaspoons of baking soda
Put the cap on until you are ready
Build a sand mountain around the bottle
Uncap the bottle
Pour a good amount, probably a cup of vinegar into the bottle
Get out of the way and watch the huge eruption!
How Did We Get such An Awesome Sandbox Volcano Eruption?
Volume. It was as simple as a good amount of vinegar into a small amount of water filled with baking soda! We repeated it several times to test our theory.
When the baking soda and the vinegar mix they form a gas called carbon dioxide which then produces the fizzing eruption. The shape of the container helps to shoot the eruption up higher because the gas is easily forced out and up due to the narrow opening.
This chemical reaction occurs because of an acid {the vinegar} mixing with a base {baking soda}. When the two combine the reaction takes place and the gas is created. If you added dish soap, you will notice a more foamy eruption like in our watermelon volcano.
We still enjoyed many small sandbox volcano eruptions too! Make sure to check out a complete few different ways to create eruptions to try.
Another favorite to check out: Blowing up Balloons with CO2!
The heavy machines were standing by ready for work!
MAKE SAND SLIME too!
We have been working on simple science concepts. Repeating similar types of experiments builds knowledge and reinforces learning skills. Young children need simple concepts repeated for greater understanding.
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!
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WATERMELON VOLCANO {must see!}
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Kelly
May 19, 2016 at 8:39 amWill this ruin the existing sand in the box? THaks!
littlebins
May 19, 2016 at 10:09 amWe 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.