By now, your kiddos are probably settled into summer break and you might be looking for ways to keep them engaged and learning while still having tons of fun. We’ve got an awesome STEAM activity for you today that is perfect for every child, whether they love to make a mess or they are fascinated with science… Ice Volcanoes!
You can make these bubbly min-mountains with ingredients that are likely already in your house! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Water
- Food coloring
- Small bowls
- Small balls that will sink (such as a golf ball)
- Plastic wrap
- A freezer
First, place one of your small balls at the bottom of each bowl, then line the bowl with plastic wrap, leaving the ball underneath the wrap and making sure the plastic extends over the edges of the bowl. Next, create the mixture to make your volcanoes – mix one third baking soda to two thirds water, then add some food coloring for fun! Pour the mixture into the bowls, making sure that your ball is fully covered to avoid having a hole in the middle of your volcano. Now, it’s into the freezer!
Once your volcanoes are frozen, take them out and thaw them a little bit to make it easier to remove the plastic wrap and balls. Be careful with this part… You might need some help from a butter knife to get the balls out.
Now, set your ice volcanoes somewhere you can make a mess – preferably outside or at least on/in a tray or container. Squirt some vinegar into the center of the volcanoes and watch as the chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda causes an eruption of fizz! The volcanoes should last a while, so you will likely be able to repeat the experiment several times on each. This activity is such a bubbly blast that your kids will want to do it over and over again!
Check out the full experiment and accompanying book recommendations by Reading Confetti HERE!
As always, get as creative as you want, and above all, have lots of fun learning together!
We’ll see you right back here next Saturday for another STEAM Saturday activity! Scroll through the rest of our website to learn how Critchlow Adkins is Building Brighter Futures for the children and families we serve!
