purposeful play

Lemon Volcano Science Experiment for kids

stem activity for preschool-3rd grade

The Erupting Lemon Volcano Science Experiment for kids is a favorite in our house and is sure to become a favorite in your home as well!

 

Kids absolutely love any kind of baking soda and vinegar experiment. This lemon volcano experiment is no exception and is a colorful, hands-on way to explore early chemistry concepts. 

 

The erupting lemon volcano demonstrates the effects of mixing a base (baking soda) with an acid (lemon juice) to produce a gas (carbon dioxide). 

 

Continue reading for the step by step instructions and to shop this project!

materials needed

purpose

  • Screen-free fun

  • Demonstrates cause and effect

  • Explore colors of the rainbow

  • Teaches basic chemical reactions of combining an acid and a base

directions

How to do the Lemon Volcano Science Experiment

  • Before you begin, roll the lemons to break up some of the lemon pulp-allowing for more juice to be released

  • Cut off both ends of the lemon (so they can lay flat in the tray)

  • Cut lemons in half

  • Place in a tray

  • Using a craft stick, break up the lemon pulp in each lemon half to release more of the lemon juice

  • Add a few drops of food coloring to each lemon half

  • Drizzle dish soap to the top of each lemon 

  • Sprinkle baking soda to the tops of each lemon

  • You will begin to see a small reaction after you add the baking soda

  • Stir in the baking soda squeezing the lemon as you do

  • For a larger reaction fill a squeeze bottle with vinegar or lemon juice

  • Squeeze lemon juice or vinegar on the lemons

  • For a larger reaction fill a squeeze bottle with vinegar or lemon juice

  • Keep going until there is no longer or a reaction

What's the Science behind the Lemon Volcano Science Experiment?

  • It’s a chemical reaction

  • When a base and acid are mixed together- a gas called carbon dioxide is formed causing the bubbling reaction!
  • The Baking soda is the base

  • The Lemon is the acid

  • Chemistry

  • Chemical reaction

  • Base

  • Acid

  • Carbon dioxide

  • Gas

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Hello there! I'm Sarah Britton and I am so excited you stopped by! Join me as we explore simple yet effective ways to create purposeful play opportunities for your child.

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