Apple Volcanoes – Easy Science Experiment

I love all activities that are apple themed! These apple volcanoes were a huge hit with my preschoolers last year and I think everyone should try this easy science experiment! You will learn about reactions and your kids will have a fun and memorable experiments!

Materials Needed

• apple
• knife
• tray
• baking soda
• vinegar
• droppers or pipettes
• food coloring (optional)

Preparing the Activity

Before doing this activity with students, you’ll need to prepare the apples. Simply use a knife to cut a wedge out of the center of the apple. Basically, you are cutting out the core. You’ll just want to create a space where the baking soda can sit. Also prepare the vinegar by pouring it into a bowl.

Directions

1. Set the apple on a tray or a plate.
2. Use a spoon to pour some baking soda in the apple. I recommend around a tablespoon.
3. Have them fill a dropper with vinegar and then squeeze it onto the baking soda.
4. Watch the fizzy reaction! It may spill out of the apple, which is why there is a tray underneath.

If you want to make it colorful, add a few drops of food coloring inside of the apple.

This activity is excellent for working on fine motor skills! Squeezing the liquid dropper is a great way to build strength in their little hands.

Questions to Ask

While doing the activity, it’s great to ask your students questions to help them think like a scientist!

Questions to Ask Before the Experiment:

1. What do you think will happen when we mix baking soda and vinegar inside the apple?
2. Why do you think we’re using an apple for this experiment instead of another fruit?
3. What do you know about the reaction between baking soda and vinegar?

Questions to Ask During the Experiment:

1. What do you see happening when the vinegar is added to the baking soda in the apple?
2. Can you describe any smells coming from the apple after the reaction starts?
3. How does the apple feel before and after the experiment? What differences do you notice?
4. Do you hear any sounds when the reaction occurs? What might be causing these sounds?

Questions to Ask After the Experiment:

1. What do you think caused the “eruption” in the apple?
2. Can you explain what happens when baking soda and vinegar are mixed?
3. How might the experiment change if we used a different fruit, or if we added more or less vinegar?
4. Why did the apple “erupt” like a volcano? How does this compare to a real volcano?
5. What would you like to try next to learn more about this reaction? What could we change in the experiment?

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope you’ll try this fun experiment! Let me know in the comments if you did!

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