How to Make a Pumpkin Volcano

Fall is in the air, so thoughts naturally gravitate towards pumpkins. October 26th is National Pumpkin Day and we have a fun pumpkin activity that you can do with your little one. Read below to find out how to make a pumpkin volcano!

Pumpkin Volcano Experiment – Video Tutorial

Pumpkin Volcano Recipe

Materials:

A small pumpkin
1 cup of vinegar
1 tsp of liquid dish soap
Food coloring
4-6 Tbsp. of baking soda
Tray or baking tray

Instructions:

Cut off the top of the pumpkin and hollow out the inside of the pumpkin.
Place the pumpkin on the tray.
Pour water inside of the pumpkin. Fill it about 2/3 full.
Add baking soda, dish soap, and food coloring.
Stir the ingredients well.
Add the vinegar until the volcano starts foaming, pouring its lava onto the pumpkin.

Ask: What do you think will happen when you add the vinegar to the pumpkin?

Discuss the reaction: The “lava” bubbles that erupt are filled with carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is a gas that forms when an acid – the vinegar – reacts with a base – the baking soda.