2025 STEAM EXPO

PROJECT SUMMARY

For this project, we built a model volcano from scratch using a plastic bottle and recycled materials like paper and soda bottles. Then, we tested a chemical reaction to simulate a volcanic eruption. Our goal was to create something realistic, sustainable, and exciting to present at the STEAM Expo.

WHY?

We chose this project because we were interested in how volcanoes work and wanted to bring science to life in a fun and creative way. We also wanted to challenge ourselves to use recycled materials and experiment with chemical reactions.

HOW?

We started by shaping the volcano using a plastic bottle for the center and covering it with layers of recycled paper and glue. After building the structure, we waited for it to dry completely,which took a lot of patience. Then, we tested different combinations of detergent, baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring to get the eruption just right. We tried multiple times before we found the best mix.

WHAT?

We found out that building something by hand takes time and teamwork. We also learned how important patience is in science,you don’t always get the result you want on the first try. Through trial and error, we learned how the reaction between vinegar and baking soda works, and how detergent helps make the lava look more foamy and dramatic.

volcano video.mov

SO WHAT?

Our project shows how chemistry and creativity can work together. It helped us understand real volcanic eruptions and chemical reactions, but also gave us experience solving problems and using recycled materials to reduce waste. We think it’s a great example of hands-on learning.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Next time, we’d like to build a bigger volcano and add more realistic details like smoke or sound effects. We could also try using other ingredients to see if we can make a stronger or slower eruption. Maybe we could even connect it to a lesson about tectonic plates and geography.

REFERENCES & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We found this really helpful tutorial: https://youtu.be/-lcU_sa32CM?si=-l8ws83bvSn3HenM and thank you to the Maker Lab for helping us!

JUDGES FEEDBACK

I feel like a reacting volcano is one of those science projects that never go out of style! In this case, I can totally tell that you put an extra effort in making it look real, specially in giving color to the eruption, since the reaction would normally just be white. This turned out great! I think next time you could use different materials for the structure of the volcano, just to see how much real it could look.

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