Baking Soda & Vinegar Volcano (Easy / Moderate / Hard)

🎉 These experiments are designed to be simple, safe, and fun — using items you probably already have at home. Encourage your child to make a prediction, observe what happens, and describe it in their own words.

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Tags: Fun Learning Activities Science Ages 4-12 View all tags
Children with Bicab Volcano
Science Activity

This classic volcano experiment is a fun way to explore chemical reactions using simple household items. Choose the level that fits your child’s age and confidence — then log it in KiddoLog to build a learning record.

Best for ages: 4–12 (with supervision)

What kids will learn (without it feeling like “school”)

  • Chemical reactions (acid + base)
  • Gas formation (carbon dioxide bubbles)
  • Observation skills (what changes, what stays the same)
  • Cause & effect (what happens when we change ingredients)
  • Vocabulary: reaction, gas, bubbles, eruption

🧰 Supplies (used for all levels)

  • Baking soda (bicarb)
  • Vinegar
  • Small cup or bottle (goes inside the volcano)
  • Tray or large plate (recommended!)
  • Optional: dish soap (for extra foam)
  • Optional: food colouring
  • Optional: spoon + measuring cups
⚠️ Safety: This is kid-friendly, but it can get messy. Do it on a tray or outside. Don’t lean directly over the volcano during the “eruption”.
🟦 Easy

Easy Volcano (Quick & Fun)

Best for younger kids or first-timers. Minimal measuring, maximum excitement!

Steps

  1. Put your cup/bottle on a tray.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
  3. Optional: add a few drops of food colouring.
  4. Pour in ¼ cup vinegar and watch it bubble!
Easy observation question:

“What did you see and hear when the vinegar went in?”

🟩 Moderate

Moderate Volcano (Bigger Eruption)

Add a few extras and start experimenting with “what happens if…”.

Extra items (optional but fun)

  • Dish soap (for foam)
  • Food colouring
  • A teaspoon for measuring

Steps

  1. Put your cup/bottle on a tray.
  2. Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda.
  3. Add 1 small squirt of dish soap.
  4. Add a few drops of food colouring.
  5. Pour in ⅓ cup vinegar and watch the foam erupt!
Moderate thinking question:

“What do you think the dish soap changed?”

🟨 Hard

Hard Volcano (Mini Science Challenge)

This version turns the volcano into a simple experiment: test changes and compare results. Great for older kids or siblings working together.

Challenge setup

  • Use 3 small cups (or repeat the experiment 3 times)
  • Keep baking soda the same each time
  • Change one thing per test

Try these 3 tests

  1. Test A: 2 tbsp baking soda + ¼ cup vinegar
  2. Test B: 2 tbsp baking soda + ¼ cup vinegar + dish soap
  3. Test C: 2 tbsp baking soda + ⅓ cup vinegar
Hard mode prompt:

“Which test made the biggest eruption? Which lasted the longest? What stayed the same?”

🔍 What’s happening? (Simple explanation)

Baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid. When they mix, they create a gas called carbon dioxide. The gas forms bubbles that push the liquid up and out — like a mini eruption!

Dish soap doesn’t make more gas — it helps trap the bubbles, which makes the eruption look foamier.

📓 Log it in KiddoLog (fast + easy)

Suggested KiddoLog entry:
  • Subject: Science (Chemistry)
  • Activity: Baking Soda & Vinegar Volcano
  • Skills: Observation, cause & effect, experimenting
  • Evidence: Add a photo of the eruption + child’s notes
Reflection prompts to copy/paste:
  • “What happened when we mixed them?”
  • “What did you notice first?”
  • “What would you change next time?”

❓ Volcano Experiment FAQ

Q: What age is this volcano experiment best for?

The Easy version works well from around ages 4+ with supervision. The Moderate and Hard versions are great for ages 6–12, especially if your child enjoys testing and comparing results.

Q: Can I do this without dish soap?

Yes! Dish soap is optional. It mainly makes the eruption look foamier by trapping bubbles.

Q: What if my volcano doesn’t erupt much?

Try using fresh baking soda, adding a little more vinegar, or using a smaller cup so the bubbles rise faster. Dish soap can also make it look more dramatic.

Q: What can I log in KiddoLog for this activity?

A photo of the eruption, your child’s predictions (“I think it will…”) and a quick note about what changed (more vinegar, added soap, different amounts) makes a perfect learning record.

Q: Can I repeat this experiment more than once?

Definitely — repeating it is where the real learning happens. Try changing one thing at a time and compare results like a mini science investigation.

Want to keep a record of your homeschool learning?

KiddoLog helps you track activities, save observations, and build a learning history over time — without the stress.

Start Logging with KiddoLog