The Science Fair Volcano

My son's first science fair project was a baking soda volcano. Every family does it at some point. We were proud to join the tradition.

We built it out of papier-mâché and painted it in brown and green, with a little plastic dinosaur at the base "for drama." We tested it in the backyard nine times. The ninth time, it erupted so dramatically that it hit our neighbor's fence.

At the science fair, it was supposed to erupt for the judges. My son poured in the vinegar. Nothing happened. He poured in more. Nothing. Then, just as the judges were walking away, it exploded all at once, covering the table, the poster board, my son and one of the judges in red foam.

The judge laughed until she cried. My son got an honorable mention for "Most Dramatic Eruption." He still talks about it. So does the judge, I've heard.