Our studies into outer space have taken us to Venus. We soon learnt that the heat of the planet and the terrain made it a perfect planet for erupting volcanoes. We couldn't pass up on the opportunity to do a volcano experiment and there are quite a few to choose from. We settled on the flour experiment as I wanted to show the boys how the hot molten lava would cool and solidify.
Firstly we made our volcano by placing an empty ramekin upside down on a large plate and surrounded it with a mound of plain flour.
Next we melted some butter in a pan over a gentle heat and transferred it into a suitable pouring device...a trusty measuring jug. Slowly we took it in turns to pour our lava butter over the ramekin, allowing it to dribble and run onto the flour.
Once all the butter had made it's own path through the flour we put it to one side and allowed the butter to cool. Once cooled the boys were allowed to touch the model and see how hard the butter had become.
This was a very quick experiment and great for if you are short of time. I am still yet to make a fizzing painted model of a volcano but with a new baby in my arms I shall wait until nap times are more settled before I let the children loose with paints, paper mache and the bicarbonate of soda.
