Pouring baking soda paste through oil causes an acid base reaction, simulating the eruption of an underwater volcano. To create your own underwater volcano science project, prepare 2 cups of vegetable oil, 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, a tall clear glass or vase, food coloring and rubbing alcohol. This may take up to 30 minutes for children and adults.
Add oil to the container
Pour 2 cups of vegetable oil into a tall clear container.
Mix vinegar and food coloring
Add food coloring to 1/2 cup of vinegar to make the layer more noticeable.
Combine the oil and vinegar
Mix the oil and vinegar. Wait until the vinegar settles at the bottom of the container.
Add food coloring to rubbing alcohol
Mix food coloring and rubbing alcohol. Pour the solution slowly into the oil. Once it reaches the top of the container, you will see three layers of liquid.
Add baking soda to water
Pour water into another container. Add baking soda to create a thick paste. Add about 1/4 teaspoon of the paste to the other container.
Wait for the acid base reaction
As the paste sinks to the bottom, an acid base reaction occurs, causing large bubbles to rise through the oil. Keep the reaction going by pouring more vinegar and baking soda as needed.
