Volcano Outburst Set by Learning Resources
Emma Vanstone, July 16, 2025
In this article, we'll explore how to make a visually stunning multi-colored eruption using an erupting volcano kit. This educational toy, one of the writer's all-time favourites, is designed for school settings and can be purchased from Learning Resources for £40.74. The kit comes complete with a full instruction manual, a clear plastic tray, and a removable inner tube.
The erupting volcano kit is easy to set up, clean, and looks great. It's sturdy and hard-wearing, making it perfect for repeated use in a classroom or at home. To create a multi-colored eruption, you can follow these steps:
1. Prepare baking soda mixtures with different color additives. Use food coloring, powdered drink mixes (such as Jello), or paint pigments to colour your baking soda. For example, mixing baking soda with different coloured Jello powders creates vibrant, colourful eruptions.
2. Layer or mix the coloured mixtures. Prepare separate batches of baking soda combined with different colour agents (like red, blue, green). Place or pour these coloured mixtures successively or simultaneously into the volcano model.
3. Activate the eruption with vinegar or lemon juice. Adding vinegar or another acidic liquid to trigger the baking soda reaction will cause a multi-hued “lava” effect. If you add the liquids sequentially or in a mixture containing different colours, it will result in an even more spectacular display.
4. Add extras for fizz and visual effect. Adding a squirt of dish soap can create more bubbles and foam. Metallic paints, gold, and confetti can be mixed in to add sparkle and texture to the eruption, enhancing the multi-colored appearance.
For instance, you can mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with one packet or teaspoon of coloured Jello powder (or food coloring). Repeat this with several different colours. Place each coloured baking soda mix into different parts of the volcano's crater or layer them. Add vinegar or lemon juice to start the eruption. The reaction with baking soda produces fizz and foam in multiple colours. Optionally, add a squirt of dish soap for extra bubbly lava and metallic/confetti for sparkle.
This approach uses simple household materials combined with the volcano kit’s reactive ingredients to create a vivid, multi-colored volcanic eruption effect. Adjust colours and additives for the best visual impact and safety precautions as Jello or dyes can stain surfaces.
The article contains affiliate links to buy the volcano model from Amazon: UK:
In addition to this experiment, the article also discusses other volcano-related posts, such as "How to make a Sand Volcano" and "How to make a Snow Volcano". The writer even suggests trying a three-color eruption as a potential experiment.
[1] "How to Make a Multi-Colored Volcano Eruption", Science Bob, [URL] [2] "Multi-Colored Volcano Eruption", Steve Spangler Science, [URL] [3] "Multi-Colored Volcano Eruption", The King's Academy, [URL] [4] "Multi-Colored Volcano Eruption Experiment for Kids", Kids Activities Blog, [URL]
- By combining baking soda with different colored Jello powders or food coloring, children can create vibrant and colorful eruptions using the erupting volcano kit, enhancing their learning and self-development in the realm of science education and experimentation.
- Engaging in explorations such as creating a multi-colored eruption with an erupting volcano kit encourages children to learn about chemistry and the reactions between acid and base substances, fostering a greater understanding of scientific principles.
- Through the process of making a multi-colored eruption, children not only develop an appreciation for science but also discover the beauty and wonder that learning can bring to their lives, thereby fostering a life-long love for education and self-improvement.
