Lemon Volcano

Lemon Volcano - STEM activity

Materials:

- Lemons

- Baking soda

- Vinegar

- Food coloring (optional)

- Dish soap (optional)

- Plastic container or tray

Procedure:

1. Introduction: 

Explain that a volcano is a mountain that erupts with hot ash and lava. Introduce the concept of chemical reactions.

2. Prepare the Lemon: 

Cut a lemon in half and scoop out the insides, leaving a shell.

3. Create the Volcano: 

Mix 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda into the lemon shell.

4. Add Color (Optional): 

Add a few drops of food coloring to the lemon shell to represent lava.

5. Create the Eruption: 

Pour vinegar slowly into the lemon shell while observing the reaction.

6. Enhance the Eruption (Optional): 

Add a few drops of dish soap to the vinegar to create more foam.

Tips and Variations:

1. Use a Dropper: 

Use a dropper to slowly add vinegar to the lemon shell for a more controlled eruption.

2. Repeat the Experiment: 

Repeat the experiment multiple times to observe different variables, such as the amount of baking soda or vinegar.

3. Create a Landscape: 

Create a landscape around the lemon volcano using clay, rocks, or paper mache.