How To Make a Volcano with a Film Canister for a Science Fair Project
A volcano is a project idea.To make a model volcano, you need to mold clay around a film canister and cause a chemical reaction inside.There is a difference between an active volcano and a dormant volcano.As they watch the volcano explode, they will learn about chemical reactions.
Step 1: You should gather your materials.
To make the volcano, you will need an empty film canister, modeling clay, and disposable cups.Baking soda will be used to make the lava.Food coloring can be used to color the lava.You should get a plastic or Styrofoam tray for the experiment to be easy to clean up.It's easier to clean up when you use disposable cups and a tray.A film canister is a container that holds film.A regular 35mm film canister is required.A baby food jar could be used as a substitute.
Step 2: Measure out the same amount of baking soda and white vinegar.
The film canister can be used as a guide.Put the baking soda into a cup by filling the canister with it.To remove baking soda, wipe out the canister.Put the empty canister with the vinegar into a cup.At this time, be sure to separate the baking soda and vinegar so that they don't react before you are ready.The amount of baking soda used in the experiment is not important.You should use equal amounts of baking soda and vinegar.
Step 3: The red food coloring can be used to color the vinegar.
Adding red food coloring to the cup of vinegar will make thelava red in color.Add enough food coloring to make the desired color.The reaction that takes place is unaffected by the coloring.The food coloring is needed for the experiment to look good.
Step 4: Make a volcano.
The clay can be used to build a volcano structure.It is possible to make the volcano as large as you want.Your lava will have to flow down if your volcano is taller.
Step 5: The canister should be pushed into the volcano.
If you have removed the lid, push it down with the open side facing up.The top of the canister should flush with the volcano.Do not put clay in the center of the canister.The canister needs to be empty.
Step 6: Baking soda can be used to fill the volcano.
Put the baking soda in the canister.In the center of your volcano, this will be the first reactant.Don't get baking soda in your eyes.Use protective eye gear.
Step 7: The volcano will erupt if the vinegar is poured into it.
Put the colored white vinegar on the side and pour it into the volcano.The baking soda will cause a reaction from the vinegar.Stand back and watch the volcano erupt.It will be messy and not dangerous.
Step 8: There is a difference between an active volcano and a dormant volcano.
There is a volcano filled with baking soda.The volcano is now active after you add the vinegar.The experiment gives the appearance of a volcano, which is not how an actual volcano works.The mock volcano is just a visual aid.A real volcano erupts due to the pressure that the rocks put on the magma inside of the volcano, even though the eruption is created by a chemical reaction.
Step 9: Understand the reaction.
The acid base reaction between the two ingredients.They form carbon dioxide gas.The bubbles in a soda are caused by the carbon dioxide gas.The eruption effect of your volcano can be created by this.You could say something like "Gas is generated rapidly through the chemical reaction, and is unable to escape the volcano at the same rate."The volcano's contents are forced out the top violently, which looks like a real volcanic eruption.
Step 10: The experiment can be repeated with different volcano shapes.
The shape of the volcano will change when you change it.The lava may roll down a different side of the volcano.Explain that the different shapes will affect how the volcano erupts.If we build a steep volcano with a narrow opening, the eruption will be violent and then run down the sides of the volcano quickly.A short volcano with a wide base and wide opening will allow the lava to flow out more slowly and flow down the volcano at a slower rate.