In honor of Arizona Science Center’s latest exhibition, POMPEII: The Exhibition, try this hands-on experiment that transforms living rooms into mini laboratories and sparks curiosity about the science behind volcanic eruptions.

Grab an adult and get ready to get messy!

The hydrogen peroxide volcano demonstrates how a catalyst works in chemistry. Hydrogen peroxide naturally wants to break down into water and oxygen (2H2O2 –› 2H2O + O2). This process usually happens too slowly to be easily perceived and this is where our catalyst comes in. A catalyst is a substance that increases how fast a chemical reaction happens without undergoing any permanent chemical change. In this case, our catalyst is the yeast, which will help to speed up the decomposition process. This volcano is more reactive than a standard vinegar and baking soda volcano; proper protective gear and parental supervision are necessary.

  • Three(3) Tablespoons of warm water (approximately 95 degrees) in a bowl
  • One (1) Packet dry yeast
  • One (1) Recycled water or soda bottle
  • One (1) Tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap
  • One (1) Funnel
  • One (1) Stir stick (popsicle stick works fine)
  • One (1) Safety goggles per person participating
  • One (1) Pair of rubber gloves per person participating
  • Half (1/2) Cup 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Optional: Food coloring

How To:

  • Rinse bottle thoroughly, and place it upright in the sink
  • Use the funnel to add hydrogen peroxide to the bottle
  • If you would like, you can add 5-8 drops of food coloring to the bottle
  • Add dishwashing liquid and gently agitate the mixture by swirling and not forming bubbles
  • Add yeast to the bowl of room temperature water, mix with the stir stick for 30 seconds (it should become the consistency of melted ice cream)
  • Use the funnel to add the yeast mixture to the hydrogen peroxide mixture
  • Remove the funnel and watch the reaction!

            What did you observe?

This reaction is exothermic which means it produces heat. Do you see steam? How big was the reaction? What did the experiment sound like? Could you hear the gasses reacting? Did you smell anything? How long did the reaction last? If you added food coloring, how did the color change over the course of the experiment? Try the experiment again in a different container.  Does the size of the container make a difference?

Ready for more?

Relive the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the rediscovery of the Roman city of Pompeii with nearly 150 authentic artifacts and engaging interactives only at Arizona Science Center’s latest exhibition: POMPEII: The Exhibition on display through April 12, 2026.