Materials
blank cards
pictures from magazines depicting gross motor actions or markers
large sheet of paper
marker
Instructions
1. Let each child choose some playdough and a film canister. Ask them to place
their canisters on a heavy paper plate and begin forming the shape of the
volcano. Be sure to tell them not to cover the opening.
2. After the volcano is formed, the children may choose a few dinosaurs and
trees to make a scene that resembles what they imagine that time would
have looked like. When everyone has finished their models, sit down at the
tables together.
3. Give each child two plastic cups. Fill one with a small amount of baking soda.
4. Pour a small amount of vinegar into the other cup. Each child chooses what
color they want for the "lava," and then add food coloring to their cup of
vinegar.
5. Talk about the components. Use terms such as "eruption" and "chemical
reaction."
6. Together as a class, each child pours the baking soda into her film canister.
Then each child begins pouring the colored vinegar into her "volcano."
7. Watch the volcanoes erupt!
8. This is a great idea for the science center, too.
Author Note: Most teachers have made a classroom volcano, but I have found
that the preschoolers want more hands-on activities, but they also need
something simple so that they are not overwhelmed. These individual
volcanoes are perfect for preschoolers.
