Paper-Mache (A Chinese Invention): And How to DIY a Volcano

Students getting tired of the same ol' 2D paper props? Want to bring something eye-catching to the classroom? What about crafting some paper-mache 3D props?

Fun Fact: The Chinese invented paper-mache, dating back to the Han Dynasty. What better way to show a nod of appreciation, than to incorporate this fun paper-art into a lesson for your Chinese students (if your online students are from China, like mine are). Just because they are learning about our language and culture, does not mean we shouldn't learn something about their culture as well. Kids will be thrilled to see you celebrating their country's contributions! What better way to thank China for paper-mache, than to make the classic, erupting volcano?

In today's post, we'll learn how to make our own DIY volcano, and how we can use it in our classroom.

Day 1

What You'll Need:

-A bottle or can (with top cut off)

-Cardboard strips

-Masking tape

-A pile of newspaper (ripped into long strips)

-A bowl

-Flour

-Water

1) Cut the top off your bottle or can.

2) Using masking tape, attach your cardboard strips around the can, to create a frame. This frame will support our paper-mache.

3) Add flour to your bowl, and slowly add water, mixing until you have obtained a glue-like consistency.

4) Dip your newspaper strips into the flour and water glue you've just made. Be prepared to make a mess.

5) Wrap your now glue-y paper strips around your can and cardboard frame, leaving the top hole exposed. Keep adding paper strips, until your volcano is the shape and size you prefer.

6) Set the volcano somewhere to dry, for 24 hours. If you have dogs (like I do), be aware that they will lick/eat your creation, so putting it up high is wise. It was a close-call in our house. Ha!

Day 2

What You'll Need:

-Acrylic Paints (your own color choices)

-Paint brushes

-A cup of water (for washing the brushes)

-Clear coat spray (matte finish)

So, you've waited patiently for your paper-mache creation to dry, and now you are ready to paint!

1) This part should be fairly obvious, so what are you waiting for? Paint to your hearts content!

2) Once the paint is dry, clear coat the outside of your creation. This will help the volcano hold its integrity, for several eruptions.

3) Let dry, and set aside until you are ready to use your volcano.

Action Time

Show time already? Awesome, before starting class, make sure your have the following ingredients on hand:

What You'll Need:

-Fill the center of volcano about 2/3 of the way with water

-Add 3-6 TBSP of baking soda into the water

-Add small squirt of dish soap

-Add several drops of red food coloring

-Mix well, and set the volcano aside.

-In a separate cup, set aside some white vinegar (do not add vinegar until you are ready for the eruption).

When it's go-time, set up a sheet pan below the volcano (to catch the "lava"), bring the volcano close enough to the camera, for the student to get a good view, dramatically countdown, and pour the vinegar into the volcano. Watch in awe, as red foam erupts from the volcano.

Congrats, you're now the cool teacher.

Additional Info:

This is a great prop for lessons on the environment, landscapes, terrain etc. Or, you can use the volcano as a reward. "When you earn 5 stars, the volcano will erupt."

However you choose to use it, your student will be impressed with the amount of effort your put in to make his/her class fun and engaging.

Check out my videos page, to see my live-action sample volcano class.

Happy constructing!

Teacher Gillian G

NewTeacherontheBlock

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