National Geographic Volcano Instructions

Important Safety Information

WARNING: This set contains chemicals that may be harmful if misused. Read cautions on individual containers carefully. Not to be used by children except under adult supervision.

WARNING: Not suitable for children under 8 years. For use under adult supervision. Contains some chemicals which present a hazard to health. Read the instructions before use, follow them and keep them for reference. Do not allow chemicals to come into contact with any part of the body, particularly the mouth and eyes. Keep small children and animals away from experiments. Keep the experimental set out of reach of children under 8 years old. Eye protection for supervising adults is not included.

Safety Information Table

WARNING: Causes serious eye irritation. If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand. Keep out of reach of children. Read label before use. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. Wash thoroughly after handling.

IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention.

To find your local poison control center:

• In USA call 1 (800) 222-1222
• Internationally go to: http://www.who.int/gho/phe/chemical_safety/poisons_centres/en/

LOCAL POISON CONTROL PHONE NUMBER

First Aid

• 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 minutes. If in doubt, seek medical advice without delay. Take the chemical and its container with you. In case of injury always seek medical advice.

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.
• Ensure that all empty containers and/or non-reclosable packaging are disposed of properly.
• Do not eat or drink in the experimental area.
• Do not allow chemicals to come into contact with the eyes or mouth.
• Do not use any equipment which has not been supplied with the set or recommended in the instructions for use.
• Wash hands after carrying out experiments.
• Do not apply any substances or solutions to the body.
• Do not place the material in the mouth.
• Do not inhale dust or powder.
• Dispose of contents and containers in accordance with local regulations.

Advice for Supervising Adults

Read and follow these instructions, the safety rules, and the first aid information, and keep them for reference.

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.

The incorrect use of chemicals can cause injury and damage to health. Only carry out those experiments which are listed in the instructions.

Do not allow chemicals or mixtures to touch objects other than those recommended in this kit. Chemicals and mixtures can cause damage to clothing, objects or surfaces.

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.

The working area should be cleaned immediately after carrying out the activity.

Substances in non-reclosable packaging should be used up (completely) during the course of one experiment, i.e. after opening the package.

This experiment takes a long time! Total time is 2 hours to 2 days. This experiment might get messy, so we suggest you make your volcano erupt on a baking sheet or on some old newspapers. Be sure to rinse off your volcano with water when done experimenting to avoid crystallization during storage. WARNING: The lava color might stain. Consider wearing old clothes that can get dirty.

What to Get

• Large Disposable Container
• Measuring Cup
• Newspapers or Baking Sheet

For extra eruptions, you will also need dish soap, baking soda, and white vinegar!

How to Do It

Build Your Mold

1. Arrange the three volcano mold walls, in any order, within the mold base on a flat surface. Ensure the edges of the volcano mold walls are aligned.
2. Stretch the included rubber band around the exterior of the mold and place within each notch near the top lip of the mold. This will help keep the walls securely in place when you add the plaster.

[Diagram: Shows volcano mold walls being assembled and secured with a rubber band.]

Prepare Your Plaster

1. Pour 250 mL (1 cup) of water into a large disposable container. Cut the top of the plaster bag to open.
2. Gradually add your plaster to the water while stirring until all your plaster is blended smoothly. It normally takes 1 to 2 minutes of stirring for the plaster to mix to the right consistency. The plaster is ready when it reaches a thick, but pourable, consistency (like a milkshake).

Note: If the mix is too runny it will seep out of the seams of the mold. If you let it sit too long, it will be too set to pour, so make sure you get your timing right!

[Diagram: Shows pouring water into a container, then adding plaster powder and stirring until smooth.]

Form Your Volcano

1. Once the plaster is mixed and ready, pour it into the volcano mold. After pouring, gently tap the sides of the mold to remove any air bubbles. Let sit for 30-45 minutes.
2. Once the plaster has set, carefully remove the mold and use your stirring stick to scrape off any unwanted mold lines.

[Diagram: Shows pouring plaster into the mold and tapping the sides.]

Prepare Your Volcano for Paint

1. The plaster must dry completely before you paint it. Put the plaster volcano in a warm, dry place for 1-2 days. Or, to dry the plaster more quickly, have an adult help put the volcano in the oven for 1–2 hours at 93° C (200° F). Let it cool and then you're ready to paint!

Note: Allow the paint to dry completely before performing the eruption experiment so none of the paint runs off.

[Diagram: Shows a dried volcano mold ready for painting.]

Make Your Volcano Erupt!

1. Add 2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) of eruption powder A (sodium bicarbonate) and 2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) of eruption powder B (citric acid) in the top of the volcano. Mix the powders together.
2. Fill your measuring cup with 250 mL (1 cup) of water. Pour the water into the top of the volcano a little at a time and stand back as the volcano erupts. Try adding more powder to your next eruption and see if you get more "lava."

[Diagram: Shows adding powders to the volcano top, then pouring water.]

Extra Eruptions!

Make Your Volcano Erupt - EXTRA BUBBLY!

1. Repeat Step 8 and add several drops of dish soap to the volcano.
2. Fill your measuring cup with 250 mL (1 cup) of water. Pour the water into the top of the volcano a little at a time and stand back as the volcano erupts.

[Diagram: Shows adding dish soap to the volcano before adding water.]

Make Your Volcano Erupt - EXTRA BIG!

1. Add 14.78 mL (1 Tbsp) of baking soda into the top of the volcano.
2. Fill your measuring cup with 250 mL (1 cup) of white vinegar. Pour the vinegar into the top of the volcano a little at a time and stand back as the volcano erupts. You may find that you'll have better results with these ingredients (you can also add the dish soap to this method).

[Diagram: Shows adding baking soda to the volcano, then pouring vinegar.]