What Is a Volcano? for Kids | Learn all about these unique landforms

A volcano is a mountain made of cooled lava, ash, or other materials from previous volcanic eruptions. Around 1500 active volcanoes exist globally, with about 80% located underwater. In the US, active volcanoes are found in Hawaii, Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington. Mauna Loa in Hawaii is the world's largest active volcano.

Volcanoes are caused by movements in the Earth's crust. They form when magma, which is extremely hot liquid rock beneath the Earth's surface, makes its way up. Once magma reaches the surface, it becomes lava. Eruptions occur when gas bubbles expand within the magma, building pressure inside the volcano. This pressure forces lava out through weak spots in the Earth's crust.

There are three stages of volcanoes: extinct, dormant, and active. An extinct volcano hasn't erupted for thousands of years and is unlikely to erupt again. A dormant volcano hasn't erupted in a long time but could erupt in the future. An active volcano has recently erupted and may erupt again soon.

To create a model volcano, gather a plastic cup or bottle, dirt/sand/rocks, water, baking soda, white vinegar, dish soap, a stirring tool, washable paint (optional), and measuring spoons (teaspoon and tablespoon). Set up in an area that can get messy, like outdoors.

Fill the cup/bottle two-thirds with water, then build a mound of dirt/sand/rocks around it to form the volcano's exterior. Add 4-6 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of dish soap, and a splash of paint (if desired) to the water. Stir the ingredients. For the eruption, slowly pour white vinegar into the mixture.