DIY Paper Mache Erupting Volcano
An engaging and exciting hands-on project that combines fun and education through the creation of a colorful erupting volcano using paper mache.
Ingredients
Materials
- 1 unit Cardboard base (coffee can lid or pizza box)
- 1 stack Newspaper (torn into strips) Torn into strips that are about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.
- 1 cup Flour
- 1 cup Water
- 1 large Balloon
- various colors Acrylic paint For decorating your volcano.
- 1 unit Plastic container For holding the erupting mixture.
- 1 tablespoon Baking soda
- 1 cup Vinegar About 1 cup needed.
- 1 teaspoon Dish soap
- optional drops Food coloring Optional for coloring the eruption.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather your base: Choose a sturdy cardboard piece, like a pizza box or a thick piece of cardboard, to act as the volcano's foundation.
- Inflate a balloon and secure it to your base, allowing it to stand upright.
Make Paper Mache Paste
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of flour with 1 cup of water to form a thick, glue-like consistency.
Apply Paper Mache
- Dip a newspaper strip in the paste, remove excess, and apply it to the balloon, overlapping each piece.
- Continue layering strips until the balloon is completely covered, allowing the layers to dry in between (about 4-24 hours).
Finish Volcano Structure
- Once dry, gently pop the balloon and remove it, leaving a hollow shell.
- Trim and shape the top of the volcano to create a crater.
Paint and Decorate
- Paint your volcano with acrylic paint after it completely dries, using browns for the base and vibrant colors for the crater.
Prepare for Eruption
- Place the plastic container inside the volcano crater for the eruption.
- In the container, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of dish soap, and a few drops of food coloring.
- Pour in 1 cup of vinegar to trigger the eruption!
Notes
Consider incorporating a mini ‘lava flow’ by using oil and water to create a flow effect down the sides of the volcano. Host a volcano-themed science night to explore more about types of volcanoes and real-life eruptions.