purposeful play
Pumpkin Volcano Science Experiment
stem activity for kids
These Pumpkin Volcanoes are a colorfully messy way for kids to explore science this Halloween!
The erupting pumpkin volcanoes provide a hands-on way for kids to experiment with science while at home.
This Halloween themed stem activity is the perfect chilly Fall day activity and works well as a supplement to any Homeschool Science Experiment!
materials
- Mini Pumpkins
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Food Coloring
- Dish Soap
purpose
Builds new brain connections
Increases your child’s ability to absorb what they are learning
Helps develop memory skills
Develops fine motor and language skills
Experiments with cause and effect
Explores chemical reactions in a safe, colorful way
Screen-free fun!
directions
How to Make Pumpkin Volcanoes
Carefully cut a hole in the top of a mini pumpkin
This part should be done by an adult
Scoop out the flesh and seeds
Save the seeds to roast at another time!
Repeat the process with the other pumpkins
Add several large scoops of baking soda to each pumpkin
Drop some food coloring onto the baking soda
We used a lot of food coloring to get vibrant results
Choose whatever colors you would like-we used Black, Purple and Green
Add several squirts of dish or hand soap to each pumpkin
This step is optional-it just creates a foamier reaction
Add Vinegar (or lemon juice) to a squirt bottle
Squirt vinegar into each pumpkin
Watch the foamy, erupting reaction!
Continue adding vinegar to create a reaction
This experiment can last as you long as you’d like
You can also add more baking soda and food coloring to keep the reaction going!
It’s a chemical reaction
Baking soda is the base
Lemon juice is the acid
When a base and an acid are mixed together- a gas called carbon dioxide is formed causing the bubbling reaction
Chemistry
Chemical reaction
Base
Acid
Carbon dioxide
Gas
