How to Make a Fizzing Volcano in Your Kitchen

Learn how to create a classic bubbling chemical reaction using simple household ingredients found in your kitchen. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Prepare your station. Place your plastic bottle or glass in the center of the deep tray. This tray will catch all the fizzing liquid, so make sure it is stable.
2. Mix the base and soap. Use your spoon to put the baking soda into the bottom of the bottle. Add the dish soap on top of the baking soda. Ask a grown-up to help you add a few drops of food coloring if you want your volcano to be a specific color.
3. Create the eruption. Pour the vinegar into the bottle quickly and step back to watch the reaction. The vinegar and baking soda will create a gas called carbon dioxide, which forces the mixture to foam up and spill over the top.