By Regina Nicolas Schaufelberger, Physical Therapist and Sensory Integration Specialist
Over the summer, on Wednesday afternoons, children turned into mad scientists. We’re sharing this 2016 Summer Program activity highlight for you to do at home!
You might remember vinegar and baking soda science fair volcanoes from primary school; this experiment uses the same exciting chemical reaction with a much more pleasant aroma.
The lemon volcanoes oozed and erupted a delightful citrus scent and array of lovely colors for a multi-sensory experience. We loved seeing the children’s faces light up as their volcanoes bubbled over!
Colorful Lemon Volcanoes
*Be careful, this can get messy! Do this project outside or on a covered surface.
Ingredients
- Lemons (1 per volcano)
- Baking soda
- Food coloring or non-toxic liquid watercolor paints
- Craft stick or straw
- Dish soap
- Tray (to hold your volcanos)
- Cup
- Teaspoon
Directions
- 1. Take half of the lemons you will use to make volcanoes. Have an adult carefully cut them each in half. One half is one volcano. Slice off the end of each side of the lemons so they can sit flat on your tray (see photo for reference).
- 2. Take the rest of the lemons, juice them into a cup and put it off to the side, for now.
- 3. Use the craft stick/straw to mush the inside of the volcanos so that the juices come up. Make sure the juice stays inside!
- 4. Place a few drops of food coloring or paint into each volcano.
- 5. Squeeze a bit of dish soap into the lemon – this will make the bubbles frothier and fizz longer.
- 6. Add a heaping teaspoon of baking soda to the center of your lemon. This will start the fizzy reaction. Take your craft stick or straw and gently stir the inside of the lemon – this will increase the fizzing and create an awesome reaction (from your child and the mixture!).
- 7. Keep adding the extra lemon juice, dish soap and baking soda to keep the reaction going!
