How to Make a Lemon Volcano Experiment

Create a colorful lemon volcano with baking soda and citric acid. A fun, safe science experiment perfect for younger kids.

A lemon volcano experiment is a bright, colorful twist on the classic baking soda volcano—and it’s just as fun. This version is perfect for younger kids, quick classroom demos, or anytime you want a science activity that’s low-mess and high-wow.

Because lemons are naturally acidic, you don’t even need vinegar to make it erupt!

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What You’ll Need

This is a simple experiment with just a few ingredients:

1 lemon (cut in half)
Baking soda
Food coloring
Dish soap (optional, for extra foam)
A spoon, craft stick, or popsicle stick
Tray or plate to catch the mess

Optional:

A second lemon for extra eruptions
Glitter for extra flair (if you're feeling fancy)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut and prep your lemon

Slice the lemon in half and use the spoon or stick to mash up the inside a bit. You want to loosen the pulp without destroying the shape.

2. Add color and foam.

Squeeze a few drops of food coloring into the lemon and add a squirt of dish soap.

3. Sprinkle baking soda.

Add baking soda right into the lemon and use your spoon to press and mix it into the pulp. The reaction will start right away and foam up over the sides.

4. Watch it erupt!

The reaction will start right away and foam up over the sides.

5. Repeat and mix.

You can keep adding more baking soda and mashing to extend the eruption!

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The Science Behind the Lemon Volcano

Lemons are acidic (they contain citric acid), and baking soda is a base. When you mix them together, a chemical reaction takes place, creating carbon dioxide gas—that’s the bubbling, fizzing eruption you see!

The dish soap helps trap the gas in bubbles, creating more foam and a lava-like effect.

This is a great way to introduce acid-base reactions using natural ingredients and an everyday object.

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Tips for Parents & Teachers

Great for preschool through 3rd grade, but fun for all ages
Works well as a quick STEM station or 15-minute demo
Encourage kids to use different tools to stir and explore
Add extra lemons to let groups compare reactions

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Customize Your Lemon

Try using different food coloring in each lemon half
Use glitter or biodegradable confetti for extra visual fun
Line up 3–4 lemons and make a rainbow eruption
Compare to vinegar + baking soda in a cup—what’s different?

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Bring Hands-On Science to Your School

We teach kids to think like scientists through real, messy, and meaningful hands-on STEM experiences—like this one.

At All Things Science, students explore chemistry, engineering, robotics, 3D printing, and more in after-school and in-school programs led by real instructors who love science.

Learn how to bring All Things Science to your school →

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