Glittery Volcano

Glittery Volcano

This project is part science experiment, part sensory fun! The volcanic reaction of vinegar and baking soda, with some glitter for extra sparkle, exploding over corn starch made some wonderful pretend snow to play in. Although easy to set up, it occupied my kids for nearly an hour afterwards.

2 - 9
Est. Time:
<30 mins

How we did it:

Materials List

  1. vinegar (7 tbsps. ) - (these ingredients are for each volcano; be sure to have more so you can make multiple explosions!)
  2. baking soda (6 tsps. )
  3. water (1/3 c.)
  4. dishwashing liquid (2 tsps.)
  5. glitter (silver or white)
  6. cornstarch (1-2 cups)
  7. tray (or plate)
  8. spoon
  9. bowl
  10. cup
  1. First, we assembled our ingredients and supplies.

  2. Spread the corn starch onto a tray or plate; set aside.

  3. Measure and pour the water into a bowl.

  4. Add the baking soda to the water.

  5. Add the dishwashing liquid.

  6. Sprinkle in the glitter. Stir.

  7. Set the bowl in the middle of the cornstarch. Pre-measure the vinegar into a jar or cup and pour on top of the water and baking soda mixture.

  8. Watch the volcanic reaction! Immediately, the mixture will foam and rise out of the bowl, spilling over onto the cornstarch. (For more information about the science behind this volcanic reaction, watch this YouTube video.

  9. When the mixture is done foaming, dump any of the remaining volcano into the cornstarch.

  10. Mix with your hands to make the snow.

  11. We formed snowballs...

  12. ...and built snow mountains for our people figures to climb and play in.

  13. Lego figures were fun to play with, too. This pirate has conquered the mountain. (Argh!)