Science Friday: Underwater Volcano Experiment

Observing and predicting are two important concepts in your child’s science education. Observing teaches them to use their senses to gather and organize information about the world. Predicting is when they use the information they have observed to make a guess about what will happen. Although science can seem like an intimidating subject for preschoolers, it doesn’t have to be! This underwater volcano experiment is the perfect example. It’s simple, mess-free, attention-grabbing, and best of all – teaches the scientific method. Follow along below!

Underwater Erupting Volcano

Materials

1. Large jar
2. Small jar (make sure it fits inside the larger jar)
3. A small rock
4. Hot and cold water
5. Food coloring

Instructions

1. Pour cold water into the large jar.
2. Place the small rock in the small jar. This will help to weigh down the jar and keep it from floating in the larger jar.
3. Carefully pour the hot water into the smaller jar and add your food coloring.
4. Gently place the smaller jar inside the larger jar and observe what happens!

The Science Behind It

Water is made up of something called molecules. Hot and cold water are made up of the same type of molecules. The only difference is that the molecules in hot water move around much more than the molecules in cold water – kind of like a kid with a lot of energy! Because the hot water molecules move around more, it creates an “underwater eruption” when placed into the jar of cold water.