how to play

Divide the children into small groups of 2–3. Begin with a story, such as young scientists exploring a mysterious island with active volcanoes or helping villagers prevent a volcanic eruption, to spark imagination. Provide each group with a small container or paper volcano, baking soda, vinegar, and optional food coloring for effect. Explain that their challenge is to create a bubbling eruption by combining the ingredients safely. Encourage them to experiment with the amount of baking soda and vinegar to see how it affects the eruption. If children struggle, give hints such as: What happens if you add more vinegar? How can you make the lava flow slowly or rapidly? Allow them to observe, adjust, and repeat the experiment, helping them explore chemical reactions, cause-and-effect, and scientific observation in a fun, hands-on way.

Questions to be asked

1. How do soda and vinegar create bubbles and fizz?
2. Why does the volcano erupt?
3. What happens when either vinegar or baking soda is added more?
4. Can you make the eruption slower or faster?