How to Make a Tape Volcano

Let’s make a tape volcano with three simple materials. You can paint your volcano and then add baking soda and vinegar to make the volcano erupt.

We first did this activity in 2013. Aiden’s friend was hanging out with us one summer day. He requested to play with baking soda and vinegar. And he really wanted to make a volcano. Together we created this easy tape volcano.

Easy Tape Volcano for Kids

Materials Needed to Make the Volcano

• Cardboard or plastic plate (for the base)
• Tall plastic container (a tall 16oz sour cream container for example or a plastic drinking cup)
• Tape (masking tape, painter’s tape, or duct tape)
• Acrylic paint (optional)
• Baking Soda
• Vinegar
• Washable liquid watercolors or food coloring (optional)
• Dish soap (optional)

How to Make the Tape Volcano

The size of your tape volcano will be determined by the height of your plastic container. We used a 16oz sour cream container – the kind that is taller than wide. You could also use two plastic containers – turn one upside down and stack the other one on top.

Originally, we used a a large piece of cardboard for our base. I didn’t expect the volcano to last very long, but the tape held up pretty well (even to a few rain storms). The cardboard, however, did not last.

I recommend using a plastic base if you want to reuse your volcano. Grab a plastic tray from the recycling bin or use a plastic plate.

Tape your plastic container to middle of your cardboard or plastic tray. Use double side tape or fold over a piece of tape. This will keep the container from moving and make it easier to create the tape volcano.

Add a piece of tape from the top of the plastic container to the base angled like the side of a volcano. Continue adding tape around the plastic container in this fashion. Fill in any gaps with shorter pieces of tape.

Once you’ve added all of your tape, you have a complete volcano. I added some tape to the top of the plastic container, so the vinegar would not run under.

You can head outside to play at this point, or you can paint your volcano with acrylic paint. Washable tempera paint doesn’t adhere very well to tape and it will wash away with the vinegar.

Erupting the Tape Volcano

I recommend erupting the volcano outside or in a large basin to catch the baking soda and vinegar.

Add a spoonful or two of baking soda to the plastic container. Pour in a cup or so of colored vinegar. (Just add a few drops of washable liquid watercolors or food coloring to the vinegar until it’s the color you want.)

Watch your volcano erupt.

 You may need to adjust the amount of baking soda or vinegar you add.

You can watch a video of our volcano erupting:

Try adding dish soap to your baking soda and vinegar for a foamy eruption.

More Ways to Play with Baking Soda and Vinegar

• Try these 10 ways to make a volcano.
• B is for Baking Soda and Vinegar & Bubbles! Make bubbles using the baking soda and vinegar reaction.
• Exploding Fireworks Painting – Try mixing baking soda and vinegar with paint for some messy painting fun!
• Turn classic baking soda and vinegar play into a cool summer science activity with frozen vinegar.

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This post was originally published on July 17, 2013.