| Everyone has heard of the classic volcano science | | | | science experiment, and science should be fun! |
| project using vinegar, baking soda, and a little bit | | | | After applying your paint, make sure that it is |
| of red food coloring. This little experiment, | | | | completely dry before you begin the next stage: |
| however, is a little more extreme, and a little | | | | Explosion! |
| more realistic (do not worry, it is not actually | | | | Now it is time to add the trigger to the equation. |
| dangerous!). This guide will teach you how to | | | | Go to your local convenience store and buy a roll |
| create a volcano project that really erupts with | | | | of mint Mentos. It is very important that you buy |
| some force. | | | | these in particular, as nothing else will work |
| Unfortunately, the fake lava is not going to be | | | | correctly. |
| quite so realistically red, but sometimes | | | | Ready your presentation in a clear, outdoor space |
| compromise means sacrifices! Here we go: | | | | (trust me; you do not want this volcano erupting |
| Gather your building supplies. For this project, you | | | | indoors!). Carefully take the cap off your diet cola, |
| are going to need to start with a volcano. A | | | | which, if you have followed directions, should be |
| prepackaged paper mache kit is recommended. | | | | housed securely in your paper mache volcano. |
| Next, you need a two-liter bottle of diet cola. Use | | | | Commence with a dramatic countdown, and at its |
| your paper mache kit to build a mountainous, | | | | conclusion, drop a couple of the Mentos into the |
| volcanic structure around the bottle, leaving a hole | | | | cola. |
| at the top large enough to facilitate opening the | | | | ERUPTION! |
| soda bottle. Give your paper mache plenty of | | | | This is a fun experiment to do at school or at |
| time to dry before you attempt the next step, | | | | home, but if you are planning to attempt it, there |
| or else you will end up with a sticky mess on | | | | are a few safety precautions to take. The |
| your hands. | | | | reaction of the cola to the mints is very strong, |
| Paint your volcano. This is where you can get | | | | and you definitely do not want to put your face |
| pretty creative, even though most volcanic | | | | near the opening of the soda bottle for the initial |
| mountains look pretty much the same. You can | | | | eruption. It is recommended that you wear |
| go for the standard black and brown color of | | | | goggles or some type of protective eyewear if |
| rocks and dirt, or you can get a little artsy. Why | | | | you are going to be the one tossing the mints in |
| not make a tie-dye themed volcano? It is just a | | | | the soda. Other than that, enjoy the spectacle! |