This Week’s Backyard Science Fun from the Beckham County Record
If you’ve ever seen a science fair volcano erupt all over the kitchen table, you know things can get a little... *messy*. But this week’s version of “Volcano in a Jar” is cleaner, faster, and just as fun—plus it won’t leave your countertops looking like a lava-covered war zone.
• Supplies: 1 small mason jar (or a clean jelly jar) 1 tablespoon baking soda 1/2 cup vinegar A few drops of red (and/or orange) food coloring Dish soap (just a squirt!) Tray or plate to catch the eruption
• Instructions: Put the jar on a plate or tray. Trust us.
Fill the jar halfway with vinegar.
Add a few drops of food coloring for that molten lava look. Add a squirt of dish soap— this gives it the *foamy explosion effect*.
Drop in the baking soda and step back—BOOM! Instant eruption!
• The Science: This fizzy blast happens when **baking soda (a base)** reacts with **vinegar (an acid)**. The reaction releases carbon dioxide gas, which pushes the foamy “lava” up and out. It’s like a mini Mount Vesuvius, minus the historical catastrophe.
• Bonus tip: Try adding glitter or sequins for “lava rocks,” or drop in a tiny dinosaur for dramatic effect. Science is more fun with a T-Rex.
More science fun coming next week—maybe rockets, maybe marshmallow catapults. Who knows? But until then, enjoy your clean(er) eruption and remember: **don’t eat the volcano.**
