Make a papier mâché volcano that actually erupts

Make a spectacular volcano using our simple paper mache recipe – then, add the ingredients to make your lava, and stand back to watch some incredible science magic.

The papier-mâché and paint will both take a while to dry, so it's best to spread this activity out over a few days. We promise it'll be worth the wait once you see the results!

You will need

• An empty plastic bottle
• Cardboard
• Sticky tape
• Foil
• Paper-mache mix
• Paints (red, orange, yellow, green, blue)
• Paintbrush
• 2-3 tsps bicarbonate of soda
• Red floor colouring
• Vinegar

How to make a paper mache volcano

Step 1

Attach a plastic bottle to a large square of cardboard using sticky tape.

Step 2

Scrunch up foil and create a mountain shape around the bottle.

Step 3

Make the papier mâché mixture and apply layers of newspaper strips with a paintbrush.

Step 4

Once fully dry, paint the volcano. We added green grass, grey rock, and red and yellow spewing lava.

Step 5

Now for the exciting part! Add 2-3 tsps of bicarbonate of soda, and a few drops of red food colouring.

Step 6

Pour in the vinegar, then stand back and watch the volcano erupt!