One of the best science experiments is the old baking soda and vinegar trick. For today’s Homemade Monday activity we made an erupting Pumpkin Volcano or Pump-Cano as I like to call it.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- One Small Pumpkin
- Distilled Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Liquid Dish Soap
- Food coloring
- Warm Water
- Container or tray
HOW TO MAKE YOUR PUMPKIN VOLCANO
- Follow the basic steps for making a jack-o-lantern. Cut off the top and scoop the insides out. You can keep the seeds to make roasted pumpkin seeds. You can also use the inside of the pumpkin for sensory play. Next, carve a face of your own design into the side of the pumpkin. Rinse and dry the pumpkin. Be carefully cutting your pumpkin. This part should be done by an adult.
- Pre-measure and set your ingredients up so that your kids can help with the science experiment. Measurements don’t have to be perfect. I mixed about a 1/2 Cup of warm water with 2-3 drops of food coloring and a few drops of dish soup (the dish soap helps make it bubble.) Next in a separate cup measure 3-4 TBSP of baking soda and finally measure in a third cup about 1/2 Cup of Vinegar. Set your pumpkin in a large tray or container to help maintain the mess. Place your three measured ingredients next to container and call the kiddos over for some fun.
- Instruct your little helpers to first pour in the water, than the baking soda and last but not least the vinegar. The eruption will occur as soon as you add the vinegar.
- You can talk to them about the science behind the fun. Let them know that a chemical reaction has occurred. By combining an acid (vinegar) with a base (baking soda) it turned into a new substance, carbon dioxide.
Video: https://www.facebook.com/PlayfulParent/videos/1980515455523971/
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