Now erupting at McWane Science Center… an explosive new exhibit: The Anatomy of a Volcano, an 8 ft. tall replica of a composite cone volcano like Mt. Vesuvius. Watch the lava rise, hear the pressure build, and learn fascinating volcano facts. Program included in cost of admission. McWane Science Center is also offering $1 off admission when your present your Pompeii ticket stub. Visit www.mcwane.org or call (205) 714-8300 for more information.

It's a Blast!
October 15th - January 27
Saturday & Sunday at 2pm
School groups can reserve this program any day of the week
by calling (205) 714-8414.

Vesuvius, Krakatoa, and Mount St. Helens. Discover the inner workings of one of the most powerful events on Earth. Join us for this 30 minute program in McWane Science Center’s Rushton Science Theater, and learn about the different types of volcanoes, how and where they form, and where the next big eruption might happen. During the show, we’ll test to see if rocks can float and set off a fizzy-foamy volcanic eruption! After the show, stick around to meet several volcanic rock stars in person! You’re sure to have a blast…

$1 Off Admission
Any visitor presenting a Pompeii ticket stub receives $1 off admission!

Volcano in the House!
Try This…

Make your own erupting volcano model. Get an adult to help you and do this somewhere (outside or in the kitchen) that you can make a mess.

Here’s What You Need…
Empty 35 mm film canister
Modeling Clay
Small Plastic Plate
Safety goggles
Vinegar
Dish Detergent
Red and Yellow Food Coloring
Baking Soda

Here’s What You Do…

Make a ball of modeling clay and place it in the center of the plastic plate. Put the film canister (which represents the volcanic crater) on top of the ball of clay. Make the ball large enough so that the rim of the film canister is at the height that you want the top of your volcano.  Use the remaining clay to form the flanks of the volcano. Make a mountain shape that slopes away from the rim of the film canister (leaving an opening for the eruption). Carve and shape your mountain to look like a volcano. Add leaves and twigs if you wish to look like vegetation. Now, you are ready for an eruption. Put on your safety goggles and fill the film canister ¾ full with vinegar. Add two drops of red and one drop of yellow food coloring (to make your lava look red hot) and stir gently. Next, add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and watch what happens! When your eruption stops, try it again. This time, try adding a couple of drops of dish detergent with the food coloring (to make your lava thicker). Each time you do an eruption, observe where the lava flows. Is it always in the same place? This is how a volcano builds into a large mountain, as lava flows and cools on different parts of the mountain and builds up layer after layer. To learn more about volcanoes, check out the Volcano World website at http://volcano.und.edu/.