Taking Volcano Building to the Next Level

How to build a volcano with Plaster of Paris 

by Kiah and Milo

(special thanks to storm the castle)

Here we go...

First, get a cardboard box and cut it how you want it. It is helpful if you keep the sides up a little and the back at least as tall as the volcano. This will prevent a huge mess and allow you to draw a picture on the back of the inner workings of a real volcano. You will also want to cut a hole on the bottom of the box so you can remove the plastic bottle for cleaning later.

Next, take a plastic bottle and wrap it in a plastic bag (so it doesn't stick to the plaster of paris).

Lastly, cut out a bunch of cardboard strips to place around the bottle like Milo is doing.

Place the strips in a fashion that looks similar to a volcaco and tape them all together.

Next, stuff your cardboard volcano with wads of newspaper.

Begin to mix your plaster of paris according to the directions on the box. We mixed it 2:1 (plaster:water)

Measure the water...

 Add the water to the plaster in a big tub.

 Mix away...

After the water has been added to the plaster, be sure to work quickly as the plaster will set up quick! Begin to dip strips of newspaper in the plaster mix and then carefully place pieces on the cardboard volcano. Try to keep them as smooth as possible while overlapping them different ways.

Keep mixing up plaster of paris in small batches until you have enough to cover your entire box and volcano.

Let the plaster sit until it is completely dry...about a day or two.

Then get out the acrylic paints and have fun! Paint scenery if you like...we used red, yellow, blue, green, brown, and grey.

Voila! This volcano is ready for action! We will take out the bottle from the plastic bag, put the bottle back in the volcano and add the ingredients for a great explosion!

For the explosion, we suggest you do it outside the first time!





Here are the ingredients for those of you that just can't wait for the next volcano eruption post...

1.Take the bottle out of the volcano and fill it just about full with water.

2. Put 4 or 5 drops of Dr. Bronner's Liquid Soap or any dish soap right into the water.

3. Add 2 Tablespoons of Baking Soda to the water.

4. Put the Volcano over the bottle so it is in place and ready to go.

5. Pour some vinegar right into the volcano bottle and watch it Erupt!!