Lemon Volcanoes

Not only does making volcanoes help kids learn about chemical reactions, this activity is extra sensory by enjoying the scent of lemons in the eruptions! Grab a lemon from the refrigerator and make a super cool volcano.

You’ll need: 2 lemons per volcano, baking soda, liquid watercolors or food coloring, a craft stick, a tray, dish soap and cups and spoons

Instructions:

1. Slice the bottom off one lemon so it sits flat and then flip the lemon over to slice out the core.
2. Slice your second lemon in half to juice it. Juice it into a cup and set the cup of lemon juice aside.
3. Put the cored lemon on a tray. Take your craft stick to mash the center of the lemon to bring out the juices while keeping them contained in the lemon.
4. Put a few drops of food coloring into the center of the lemon, followed by a squirt of dish soap.
5. Next, add a spoonful of baking soda into the lemon and you should see some fizz. Stir the juice in the lemon and it should start to foam really well to create your chemical reaction!
6. To keep the reaction going, continue to add baking soda, coloring and dish soap. This is when you can add the extra lemon juice set aside from the second lemon! This will enhance the reaction!

The Science Behind It: The citric acid in the lemon juice when combined with baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, reacts to form carbon dioxide and sodium citrate. This is what causes the fizzing and bubbling like a volcanic eruption.

Thanks to National Grid, our official STEAM Education Partner for sponsoring this activity!