How to make an erupting volcano

This is one of the most commonly used experiments for rocks and minerals. It is very easy to set up in a classroom.

What you need:
- large flower pot
- a tray or pan to catch the drips
- a small tin can (like a tuna can)
- a funnel with a large mouth on the top or a coffee filter
- foil wrap
- a tablespoon of baling soda
- 125 ml of vinegar
- food coloring of your choice

Instructions:

1. Cut off the small end of the coffee filter if that is what you are using as the funnel.

2. Assemble the parts in the following order starting at the bottom:

- baking pan
- foil wrap
- flower pot
- can
- cup or funnel

3. Cover the whole thing so that it resembles a volcano. If you want to make it look more realistic you can paint the foil.

4. Tuck the top of the foil inside the opening of the funnel or the coffee filter.

5. Put a heaping tablespoon of baking soda through the hole in the top of the volcano.

6. Add a spoonful of liquid dish detergent.

7. Measure about 125 ml of vinegar and add a few drops of food coloring to it.

8. Pour the colored vinegar into the hole.

9. Watch the volcano as it erupts.

Variations:

You can change the amounts of vinegar and baking soda that you add to change the size of the eruption.

You can also add tiny bits of paper to the vinegar to make it more realistic.