Make your own exploding volcano!
WARNING
Not suitable for children under 8 years. For use under adult supervision. Contains some chemicals which present a hazard to health. Do not allow chemicals to come into contact with any part of the body, particularly the mouth and eyes. Read the instructions before use, follow them and keep them for reference. Keep small children and animals away from the play area. Keep the set out of reach of children under 8 years old.
Dear parents and guardians
Through play, children develop different cognitive skills. Scientific studies show that when we are having fun or making discoveries during an experiment, a neurotransmitter called Dopamine is released.
Dopamine is known to be responsible for feelings like motivation, reward and learning and that’s why experiences are related to positive feelings. So, if learning is a positive experience, it will stimulate the brain to develop various skills.
Therefore, Science4you aims to develop educational toys that combine fun with education by fostering curiosity and experimentation.
Find out below which skills can be developed with the help of this educational toy!
The educational feature is one of the key strengths of our toys. We aim to provide toys which enable children’s development of physical, emotional and social skills.
1st Edition 2024
Lisbon, Portugal
Author: Flávia Leitão and Mafalda Pedro
Translation: Inês Neuparth
Scientific review: Inês Martins
Conformity revision: Adriana Godinho and Rute Cesário
Project management: Inês Martins and Joana Lemos
Product development: Mafalda Pedro
Design management: Marcos Rebelo
Packaging design: Jorge Faria
Pagination: Jorge Faria
Ilustração: Filipa Rocha
1. Ecosystems
Experiment 1. The formation of Earth’s atmosphere
2. Volcanoes
Experiment 2. The eruption of a volcano
Experiment 3. Another way to erupt
Experiment 4. A stickier lava
Experiment
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SAFETY RULES
- Read these instructions before use, follow them and keep them for reference.
- Keep young children and animals away from the experimental area.
- Store this experimental set out of reach of children under 8 years of age.
- Clean all equipment after use.
- Make sure that all containers are fully closed and properly stored after use.
- Ensure that all empty containers and/or non-reclosable packaging are disposed of properly.
- Wash hands after carrying out experiments.
- Do not use any equipment which has not been supplied with the set or recommended in the instructions for use.
- Do not eat or drink in the experimental area.
- Do not allow chemicals to come into contact with the eyes or mouth.
- Do not replace foodstuffs in original container. Dispose of immediately.
GENERAL FIRST AID INFORMATION
- In case of eye contact: Wash out eye with plenty of water, holding eye open if necessary. Seek immediate medical advice.
- If swallowed: Wash out mouth with water, drink some fresh water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical advice.
- In case of inhalation: Remove person to fresh air.
- In case of skin contact and burns: Wash affected area with plenty of water for at least 10 min.
- In case of doubt, seek medical advice without delay. Take the chemical and its container with you.
- In case of injury always seek medical advice.
ADVICE FOR SUPERVISING ADULTS
- Read and follow these instructions, the safety rules and the first aid information, and keep them for reference.
- The incorrect use of chemicals can cause injury and damage to health. Only carry out those experiments which are listed in the instructions.
- This experimental set is for use only by children over 8 years.
- Because children’s abilities vary so much, even within age groups, supervising adults should exercise discretion as to which experiments are suitable and safe for them. The instructions should enable supervisors to assess any experiment to establish its suitability for a particular child.
- The supervising adult should discuss the warnings and safety information with the child or children before commencing the experiments. Particular attention should be paid to the safe handling of acids, alkalis and flammable liquids.
- The area surrounding the experiment should be kept clear of any obstructions and away from the storage of food. It should be well lit and ventilated and close to a water supply. A solid table with a heat resistant top should be provided.
- Substances in non-reclosable packaging should be used up (completely) during the course of one experiment, i.e. after opening the package.
- This set contains colourings (pigments). Colourings can stain. Keep it away from objects and fabrics.
- This set contains gloves which may be made from natural rubber latex. Natural rubber latex may cause allergies.
In case of poisoning by any of the components used in this set, contact the anti-poison centre or the nearest hospital. Please consult the following link for more information: UK https://www.npis.org/ EU https://poisoncentres.echa.europa.eu/appointed-bodies In case of emergency dial: EU
WATER, PHENOXYETHANOL, CI 16255, SODIUM
Sodium Bicarbonate (CAS 144-55-8) NaHCO3
INGREDIENTS: SODIUM HYDROGEN CARBONATE
Recommendations for substances and mixtures: Do not ingest. Avoid contact with the eyes and mouth. Use only according to the instructions. Store in tightly closed containers. Keep in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture, direct sunlight and heat sources.
DISPOSAL OF SUBSTANCES
Observe national regulations concerning the disposal of chemicals when disposing of chemical substances and / or mixtures. Do not dispose of chemical substances and / or mixtures with domestic waste and household waste. For more details, contact a competent authority. To dispose of the packaging, use the collective collection points.
KIT CONTENTS
Volcano mould
Gloves
Red colouring
Wooden spatula
Large measuring cup
Pasteur pipette
1. Ecosystems
Formed by all living beings.
Biosphere
Scientists believe that the Earth is the only planet in the solar system where life as we know it can be find.
Hydrosphere
Combined mass of water that exists on Earth (e.g. rivers, lakes, oceans, groundwater, etc).
We can consider the planet Earth as a system that is divided in several subsystems:
Atmosphere
Mix of gases surrounding Earth and protecting it from solar ultraviolet radiation.
Convection currents
Outermost rocky part of Earth where there is the biosphere.
Geosphere
Lithosphere Formed by the lithosphere, mantle and Earth’s core.
subsystems.
EXPERIMENT 1
The formation of Earth’s atmosphere WHAT WILL YOU NEED?
Material included in the kit:
• Large measuring cup
• Sodium bicarbonate
Extra material:
• Small plastic bottle • Balloon • Funnel • Vinegar • Tea spoon
ATTENTION: ask an adult for help.
This phenomenon exemplifies what happened during the formation of the atmosphere of Earth. When it formed, planet Earth had an intense volcanic activity that released great amounts of gases and smoke, which started to accumulate, creating the primitive atmosphere.
The gas rises, filling in balloon.the
In this experiment, the gases released started accumulating in the balloon, exemplifying this phenomenon.
ATTENTION: when you finish the experiment throw away all used food.
Steps:
1. Using the large measuring cup, add 100 millilitres (ml) of vinegar into the plastic bottle.
2. With the help of the funnel and the tea spoon, add 2 spoons of sodium bicarbonate to the balloon.
3. Now attach the balloon’s opening to the opening of the bottle, without letting the sodium bicarbonate fall out of the balloon.
4. Finally, lift the balloon and let the sodium bicarbonate fall, getting mixed with the vinegar.
Observe what happens!
2. Volcanoes
Volcanic landscapes are the consequence of the expression, in Earth surface, of the volcanoes activity.
Volcanic activity is related to the internal dynamics of Earth. This expresses itself in volcanoes and seismic activities.
Volcanoes are geological formations that consist of openings in the Earth’s crust. They allow pockets of magma to reach the surface, derived from the asthenosphere.
Gas cloud
Cone Ashes Pyroclasts
Crater or caldera
Lava
Conduit
DID YOU KNOW... That there are also water volcanoes?
Magmatic chamber
Secondary crater
Extint volcano
Secondary conduit (pipe)
EXPERIMENT 2
The eruption of a volcano
WHAT WILL YOU NEED?
Material included in the kit:
• Gloves
• Red colouring
• Wooden spatula
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Large measuring cup
• Pasteur pipette
• Volcano mould
Extra material:
• Wheat flour • Deep dish • Tea spoon • Vinegar • Absorbent paper • Water
ATTENTION: ask an adult for help.
The chemical reaction you have just seen is an acid-base reaction. Vinegar and lemon juice have in its composition, acetic acid and citric acid, respectively. In turn, sodium bicarbonate, is a base.
Steps:
1. Start by putting the gloves on and placing the volcano on the deep dish.
2. With the help of the large measuring cup, fill in the volcano mould with vinegar.
3. Use the Pasteur pipette to add some drops of red colouring and with the wooden spatula stir well.
4. With the tea spoon, add 1/2 level spoon of wheat flour to the volcano mould and stir well, until there are no solid bits.
5. Clean the large measuring cup with absorbent paper. Then, add 10 ml of water.
6. With the tea spoon, add 1/2 spoon of sodium bicarbonate to the clean the large measuring cup. Mix it well with the wooden spatula.
7. Start a countdown and pour the content into the volcano.
This way, when mixed with an acid, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) decomposes and releases gas (carbon dioxide), in the following chemical reaction: NaHCO3 + Acid Na-Acid + CO2 + H2O
What happens?
ATTENTION: when you finish the experiment throw away all used food.
EXPERIMENT 3
Another way to erupt WHAT WILL YOU NEED?
Material included in the kit:
• Gloves
• Red colouring
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Pasteur pipette
• Wooden spatula
• Large measuring cup
• Volcano mould
Extra material:
• Lemon juice • Wheat flour • Deep dish
• Absorbent paper • Tea spoon • Water
ATTENTION: ask an adult for help.
5. With the tea spoon, add 1/2 spoon of sodium bicarbonate to the clean large measuring cup. Mix it well with the wooden spatula.
6. Start a countdown and pour the content into the volcano.
Steps:
1. Start by putting the gloves on and placing the volcano on the deep dish.
2. Now squeeze a lemon into the large measuring cup to obtain all the juice. Then, fill the volcano mould with this juice.
3. With the Pasteur pipette, add to the lemon juice some drops of red colouring. Finally, add 1/2 level tea spoon of flour and mix with the wooden spatula until it is completely dissolved.
4. Clean the large measuring cup with absorbent paper. Then, add 10 ml of water.
ATTENTION: when you finish the experiment throw away all used food.
Citric acid is one of the main ingredients of citrines, such as orange, lemon, lime and many others.
In this reaction we get as reactants salt (Na-Acid) that dissolves in water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) that, for being a gas, bubbles in the liquid.
In this experiment, flour helps to simulate lava as it thickens the resulting fluid.
Volcanic eruptions can be the most beautiful but the most dangerous manifestations of the Earth’s internal activity.
1. Explosive Activity: Volcanian.
Lava viscosity: Very viscous.
Gas content: Rich.
Materials: Pyroclasts and formation of ash clouds (formed by incandescent gases and ashes that rolls down through the volcano hills, close to the ground).
Structure: High and very steep.
When magma reaches the Earth’s surface can cause explosions, incandescentearthquakes, lava rivers and burning ashes falls. Lava’ characteristics are volcanicresponsibleforthetypeof activityandwecan types,classifytheseinthreemain followingasyoucanseeinthe descriptions:
2. Mild explosive Activity: Strombolian. Lava viscosity: Fluid.
Gas content: Poor. Materials: Characterised by regular and constant explosions that launch incandescent lava into the air. The explosions are accompanied by rivers of lava and gas emissions. Structure: High and very inclined cone.
3. Activity:EffusiveHawaiian. Lava viscosity: Very fluid. Gas content: Very poor. Materials: Large lakes and rivers of lava; no pyroclasts.
Structure: Short and has smooth sides.
EXPERIMENT 4
A stickier lava
WHAT WILL YOU NEED?
Material included in the kit:
• Gloves
• Red colouring
• Wooden spatula
• Large measuring cup
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Pasteur pipette
• Volcano mould
Extra material:
• Vinegar • Washing-up liquid
• Deep dish
• Tea spoon
ATTENTION: ask an adult for help.
ATTENTION: when you finish the experiment throw away all used food.
Contrarily to what happens to the flour, the washing-up liquid releases foam, making it more consistent, this is to say more viscous.
Steps:
1. Start by putting the gloves on and placing the volcano on the deep dish.
2. Fill in the volcano with vinegar.
3. With the Pasteur pipette, add to the vinegar some drops of red colouring.
Stir the liquids well, using the wooden spatula.
4. Add to the volcano one spoon of washing-up liquid.
Stir carefully, so you don’t create foam.
6. Make a countdown and pour the content into the volcano.
5. Add 1/2 level tea spoon of sodium bicarbonate to the large measuring cup.
Observe what happens!
This happens because the foam that is created, mixed with the liquid, is dragged by the bubbles of CO2 that are created in the chemical reaction.
EXPERIMENT 5
A faster eruption
WHAT WILL YOU NEED?
Material included in the kit:
• Gloves
• Red colouring
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Pasteur pipette
• Wooden spatula
• Large measuring cup
• Volcano mould
Extra material:
• Deep dish • Tea spoon • Vinegar
ATTENTION: ask an adult for help.
ATTENTION: when you finish the experiment throw away all used food.
SUPER SCIENTIST:
Create a bigger volcano, using clay and make even bigger explosions! You just need to repeat these experiments, but with higher amounts of the reagents!
Steps:
1. Start by putting the gloves on and placing the volcano on the deep dish.
2. With the help of the large measuring cup, fill in the volcano with vinegar.
3. With the Pasteur pipette, add to the vinegar some drops of red colouring. Stir well using the wooden spatula.
4. Add 1/2 level tea spoon of sodium bicarbonate to the large measuring cup.
5. Make a countdown and pour the content of the cup into the volcano.
What happens?
In this experiment you can make your volcano erupt, thanks to the chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide. However, in this case, as you are not using any product that gives fluidity to the lava, you can observe a phenomenon called effervescence: release of gases in a liquid.
The gas can also drag part of the liquid that is in the volcano, allowing the volcano to overflow.
EXPERIMENT 6
Explosive eruption
WHAT WILL YOU NEED?
Material included in the kit:
• Red colouring
• Pasteur pipette
Extra material:
• Small bottle • Large glass jar • Hot water
• Cold tap water
ATTENTION: ask an adult for help.
happens?
The hot water will quickly rise to the top of the jar. When water is heated, it expands, taking up more space.
This makes hot water lighter (less dense) than the cold water, and that is why it rises to the surface of cold water.
This creates a sort of “cloud” outside the bottle, that looks just like the ashes from an explosive eruption!
Steps:
1. Fill the large jar with cold tap water. Do not fill it to the top because of you will need space to put the small bottle inside the large jar.
2. Fill up completely the small bottle with hot water.
3. With the Pasteur pipette add a few drops of red colouring in the small bottle.
4. Gently place the small bottle
