Another fun messy summer science is how to make a lime and lemon volcano science experiment. Also, look at my page Free Homeschool Volcano Unit Study.
Also, look at my page Free Earth Science Lapbook & Unit Study Ideas.
This isn’t just messy fun, it’s also a cool science experiment. For example, you can learn chemistry, reactions, and even talk about what is the scientific method.
When you mix lemon or lime juice with baking soda, you get a fizzy eruption Actually, we’re using both lemons and limes.

We’re creating a chemical reaction between an acid and a base.
For instance, lemons and limes have citric acid and the base is baking soda. Its real name is sodium bicarbonate.
When these two mix, they form a gas called carbon dioxide.
BOOKS ABOUT VOLCANOES FOR KIDS
Next, add some fun science to your hands-on experiment today.
Add one or two of these living books I’ve rounded up.
12 Volcano Books & Resources
Add one or two of these books to learn about volcanoes and add some hands-on ideas to learn about the types of volcanoes.
Did you know there are four main types of volcanoes? Or that volcanoes are classified as active, dormant, or extinct? The Devil’s Tower in Wyoming is an extinct volcano. It’s about 40.5 million years old!
Simple explanation of how an island is formed. B/ W sketch illustrations.
As Dawn breaks, mount kahlualualuau is spewing its fiery lava down onto meepleville. The natives are frantically trying to escape the rivers of lava and remain on safe ground. Whoever’s tribe survives the eruption with the most Meeples shall be the winner!
In this extraordinary photographic essay, Patricia Lauber details the Mount St. Helens eruption and the years following in Volcano: Eruption and Healing of Mt. St. Helen's.Through this clear accurate account, readers of all ages will share the awe of the scientists who witnessed both the power of the volcano and the resiliency of life.
Science is vital for every inhabitant of today’s world, and being scientifically informed and literate is a crucial part of any child’s education. Science can seem daunting –- especially as scientific knowledge advances so quickly –- and this volume is the perfect purchase for any family. It will bear repeated use by all the family from 10+ through the teenage years.
Conditions on Earth are becoming more and more extreme and kids want to learn about it!
Is it true that, at any given time, about 20 volcanoes are erupting somewhere on Earth? Yes! Sometimes volcanoes erupt with a big, dangerous bang. Other times they spit out lava so slowly that you could walk faster than it flows.
‘[An] irresistible account of a child’s imaginary 8,000-mile journey through the earth to discover what’s inside. Facts about the composition of the earth are conveyed painlessly and memorably.’ —SLJ. ‘An exciting adventure. . . . Illustrations [by Caldecott Medal winner Marc Simont] explode with color and action.’ —CS.
The cool story of volcanoes will intrigue kids and adults alike. Hot melted rock from the middle of our planet forces its way up through cracks in the Earth’s crusts, exploding violently and sometimes unexpectedly in volcanic fury that can terrorize populations for months, even years.
Kids will burst with excitement as they learn all about the science and wonder of volcanoes in this new National Geographic Kids Reader.
UNFORGETTABLE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS – This is a great hands-on experiment kit for any science fair; the updated mold and instructions make it easy to assemble a sturdy volcano form and realistic paint colors give the volcano a lifelike look.
This set of 48 cards features a colorful illustration on one side and informational facts on the other side.
MIX YOUR OWN LAVA: Use the included mixture to form your own “lava” and experiment with explosions by making your own volcano erupt!
Also, add more activities to do with lemons.
MORE VOLCANO ACTIVITIES
- Amazing Volcano Facts For Kids & Awesome Lemon Volcano Experiment
- Mini Volcano Book and Label Layers of Earth Mini Book
- Celebrate National Vinegar Day With A Hands-on Study of Volcanoes
- Free Homeschool Volcano Unit Study and Fun Apple Volcano
- How To Make A Mountain Volcano | Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro With Geronimo Stilton
- How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft

Finally, look at how to make this lemon volcano science experiment.
HOW TO MAKE A LIME AND LEMON VOLCANO SCIENCE EXPERIMENT
First, look at this easy list of supplies.
- 1 Lemon
- 1 Lime
- Cutting Board
- Kitchen knife
- Spill Tray
- Food coloring (green, blue, red, and yellow)
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- Measuring Spoon
- Popsicle stick or tongue depressor
Gather all the supplies needed.

Cut the ends of each lemon and lime off to make them flat.

Then cut the lemon and lime in half, making 4 total halves.

Add 2-3 drops of food coloring to each of the lemons and limes.

Squeeze the dish soap onto each lemon and lime half.

Add a spoonful of baking soda to each lemon and lime.

Then, using the popsicle stick, poke into the lemon and lime to release the juice and create an “eruption.”

Why does this happen? The reason is the chemical reaction of acids and bases releasing carbon dioxide. Lemons and limes are full of citric acid.

The acid reacts with the baking soda to make the reaction. The dish soap helps capture the bubbles that we can see. The food coloring is for fun and makes the eruption more colorful.