Name: Nina K.
Status: Educator
Age: 30s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: April 29, 2003
Question:
I would like to know if there is a safer model to demonstrate a volcanic eruption
other than the ammonium dichromate reaction which although fabulously exciting is deemed
carcinogenic. Is there another safer chemical that can be substituted? I DO NOT want the
baking soda and vinegar model!!
Replies:
"Safe" demonstrations that portray the violent eruptions of volcanos is something of an oxymoron.
The demo will have to involve some sort of violent explosion -- and that means significant
hazard potential from uncontrolled fire to the generation of respirable dust. I would suggest
that you consider video tapes and/or DVD's of actual eruptions. Many are available on the
Internet at a reasonable price. Some suggestions for where to start are:
NEWTON is an electronic community for Science, Math, and Computer Science K-12 Educators, sponsored and operated by Argonne National Laboratory's Educational Programs, Andrew Skipor, Ph.D., Head of Educational Programs.
