How to Make a Yeast & Hydrogen Peroxide Volcano

Student showing a chemical volcano science demonstration

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By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on July 22, 2018

Here's how to make a safe and easy chemical volcano using two common, inexpensive household ingredients.

What You Need

This chemical volcano erupts when baking soda and vinegar are reacted to produce carbon dioxide bubbly "lava".
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You've Got Ingredients for a Chemical Volcano
By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
  • Quick-rising yeast
  • Hydrogen peroxide (brown bottle found in pharmacies and grocery stores)
  • Small bottle
  • Measuring cups (optional)
  • Paper or clay "cone'" (optional)

Here's How

  1. You pour the hydrogen peroxide into a small bottle. If you like, you can build a model volcano shape around the bottle using clay or a paper cone.
  2. When you are ready for the eruption, add a packet of quick rise yeast to the bottle.
  3. Stir in the yeast or swirl it around the container.
  4. Watch your "volcano" foam and fizz!

If you're seeking more exact measurements, try a half cup of hydrogen peroxide with 1/2 tablespoon of yeast.

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Your Citation
Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "How to Make a Yeast & Hydrogen Peroxide Volcano." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/make-yeast-and-hydrogen-peroxide-volcano-605999. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2023, April 5). How to Make a Yeast & Hydrogen Peroxide Volcano. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/make-yeast-and-hydrogen-peroxide-volcano-605999 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "How to Make a Yeast & Hydrogen Peroxide Volcano." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/make-yeast-and-hydrogen-peroxide-volcano-605999 (accessed April 19, 2024).