Experiment with explosion variables
Make and test safe baking soda volcanoes using vinegar, with adult supervision, changing ingredient amounts and container shapes to study eruption size and height.
About this activity
Make and test safe baking soda volcanoes using vinegar, with adult supervision, changing ingredient amounts and container shapes to study eruption size and height.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Put on your safety goggles.
- 2
Step 2
Ask an adult to stay with you while you do the experiment.
- 3
Step 3
Place a tray or baking sheet on a flat surface to catch spills.
- 4
Step 4
Put your first container on the tray.
- 5
Step 5
Measure and pour 1/2 cup (120 mL) vinegar into the container.
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Step 6
Measure 1 teaspoon (5 mL) baking soda into a spoon.
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Step 7
Quickly pour the baking soda into the container.
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Step 8
Step back and watch the eruption happen.
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Step 9
Write the eruption height and what you observed in your notebook.
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Step 10
Wipe up the mess and dry the container and tray with paper towels.
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Step 11
Choose one variable to change for the next test such as using more baking soda or a different shaped container.
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Step 12
Make only that single change now (for example use 2 teaspoons baking soda or swap in a different container).
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Step 13
Repeat the same steps you did before with your changed variable and write the new eruption height and notes in your notebook.
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Step 14
Share your finished creation and what you learned on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I run a baking soda and vinegar volcano experiment to test eruption variables?
Set up a small plastic bottle as the volcano cone on a tray. Add a measured scoop of baking soda, a little dish soap and food coloring if you like. Pour a measured amount of vinegar quickly or use a squeeze bottle to start the eruption. Measure height or splash distance with a ruler or marked backdrop. Change one variable at a time (baking soda amount, vinegar volume, container shape), repeat trials and record results. Always have adult supervision.
What materials do I need for a baking soda volcano experiment?
You’ll need baking soda, white vinegar, small plastic bottles or jars, measuring spoons/cups, a funnel or dropper, and a tray or cardboard to contain mess. Optional extras: dish soap for foam, food coloring for effect, a ruler or tape measure to record eruption height, markers to mark results, safety goggles, and paper towels. Always include an adult for setup, measurement and cleanup.
What ages is the baking soda volcano activity suitable for?
This experiment works for preschoolers through teens with supervision: ages 3–5 enjoy watching an adult demonstrate, 5–8 can help measure and pour with guidance, and 9+ can design controlled tests changing variables and recording data. Tailor responsibilities to motor skills and attention span, and always provide close adult supervision for younger children to ensure safe handling and accurate measurements.
Is the baking soda volcano experiment safe and what safety rules should I follow?
Do the activity outdoors or on a washable tray, wear safety goggles, and keep vinegar away from eyes and fabric. Use small measured amounts and never seal bottles—pressure can build. Supervise children at all times, use plastic rather than glass, and clean spills quickly. Rinse skin or eyes with water if contact occurs. These precautions keep the experiment safe and fun for kids.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have safety goggles, a tray, or exact measuring tools?
If you don't have safety goggles use snug safety glasses or ask the adult to provide them, if you lack a tray use a large shallow baking dish or cookie sheet to catch spills, and measure 1/2 cup (120 mL) and 1 teaspoon (5 mL) with kitchen measuring spoons or a marked drinking cup.
The eruption was tiny—what might I be doing wrong and how can I fix it?
Check that you actually poured 1/2 cup (120 mL) vinegar into the container and then quickly added dry 1 teaspoon (5 mL) baking soda, and if the blast is still small try using drier baking soda, a narrower container, or increasing to 2 teaspoons baking soda as suggested in the instructions to raise the eruption height.
How can I adapt this experiment for different ages?
For younger kids have an adult pre-measure and pour the 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 teaspoon baking soda or use smaller amounts like 1/4 cup vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda with close supervision, while older kids can change one variable (e.g., swap in a different shaped container or use 2 teaspoons baking soda), precisely record eruption height in the notebook, and analyze results.
What are some fun ways to extend or personalize the experiment?
Add food coloring to the vinegar, build a papier-mâché volcano around your container, test variables like container shape or vinegar temperature and record eruption heights in your notebook, then share photos or videos of the results on DIY.org.