National Geographic Build Your Own Volcano

This is our fourth month of being the Bandai STEM Ambassadors and we have received the Build Your Own Volcano kit! Both of my children love science projects, especially those experiments that they can make a big mess and this is one of those experiments!

In case you didn’t know about National Geographic, we have reviewed quite a few kits, like the Gemstone & Shark Tooth, Geode and growing crystal & sea monkeys. Do check out our reviews! National Geographic makes a huge range of STEM sets which allow your child/children to explore, create and discover something amazing about the natural world! There is so much out there for us to discover and learn about our amazing world!

In the kit, there is a packet of Plaster of Paris (POP) powder, a small bottle of eruption powder citric acid, a packet of eruption powder Sodium Bi-carbonate, paints, paintbrush, wooden stick, plastic plaster form, volcanic rock samples and instructions. Everything is packed in the pull-out cardboard tray which is handy for containing any mess while you work. I used it to hold the plastic plaster form while I poured the POP in it. Before we started mixing the POP with water, we need a clean plastic tray to contain the water. Also, some newspaper or cardboard will help protect the area you are working on. Then slowly pour in the POP and mix it until it is thick. It is quite hit and miss when mixing the POP with water. It is best not to use too much water. The POP mixture will turn warm and before it sets, quickly pour into the mould. Let it sit for at least 45 minutes. You can choose to wait for the plaster to dry in 1-2 days or place it in the oven for 1-2 hours to dry!

Next, Ms C painted the volcano with red, orange and yellow paints that were provided in the kit. Let the paint dry before trying out the experiment!

To make your volcano erupt, it is best to place it in a tray to contain the foam. Once we mixed the powders and placed the mixture on the tip of the volcano, Mr K poured in the water in and watch it erupt! Both children had fun taking it in turns to create the eruption and it kept them entertained for a bit. I would definitely recommend this kit.

The volcano is still usable which I have dried and kept clean in the cupboard to use another time! All I need is household products like the baking soda and white vinegar to create the next eruption! Also, the plastic moulds can be washed and reused. You can buy the Plaster of Paris from hobby craft stores to make more volcanos if you wish to! This kit is available to buy from good retailers, online and Amazon. For more information, please visit www.bandai.co.uk.

Disclosure: We received the sample for the purposes of writing this review, however, all thoughts and opinions remain our own. We are a Bandai STEM ambassador.