This fall preschool project for mini pumpkin volcanoes introduces the concept of chemistry and chemical reactions, encourages following instructions, and is a tad messy (so beware)!

So, what causes these mini pumpkin volcanoes to erupt: You’re mixing baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) together which causes a chemical reaction. This reaction produces carbon dioxide (a colorless, odorless gas) which causes the eruption.

Materials:

Dish soap
Baking soda
White vinegar
Food coloring: Orange, purple, green
Mini pumpkins
Knife
Tablespoon
Large plastic lid or container

Directions:

1. Carve out the top of each pumpkin.

2. Scoop out most of the insides (this doesn’t need to be perfect).

3. Bring pumpkins outside and set them on a lid or in a container.

4. Add a couple tablespoons of baking soda to each pumpkin.

5. Add a couple squirts of dish soap to each pumpkin.

6. Add one squirt of each color of food coloring to each pumpkin.

7. Start pouring vinegar into each pumpkin; you’ll likely need about 1/3 cup for each.

Watch your pumpkins erupt!

Note: You can rinse the pumpkins out and try this fall preschool project again and again! Trust us, your kids will request demand that you do so!