Introduction

Learn more about the interesting moon known as Io.

Objectives

To demonstrate how a volcano erupts and to learn about Jupiter's moon, Io

Materials

• Hard-boiled egg (in shell)
• Baking soda
• Food coloring (red, yellow, and green)
• Vinegar
• Paint brush
• Measuring cup
• Four plastic or paper bowls
• One plastic or paper cup (10 ounces or larger)
• Tablespoon
• Water
• Three wooden craft sticks (or something for stirring)
• Eyedropper or pipette
• Paper towel

Procedure

Put three tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of water in a bowl. Put three or four drops of food coloring in the bowl and stir with the stirring stick. Repeat these steps in two additional bowls using the yellow and green food coloring. The baking soda paint mixture should be thick. Pour one cup of vinegar into the plastic cup. Place the egg in a bowl. Use the paintbrush to paint the egg using all three colors (use the paper towel to clean brush between colors). Use the eye dropper to drip vinegar onto the egg. 

Conclusion

The vinegar and baking soda will create a chemical reaction and the paint mixture will fizz. Io is the third largest of Jupiter's moons and the most volcanically active body in the Solar System. Io looks like a giant pizza covered with cheese, tomatoes, and green olives. Io’s volcanoes are the hottest spots in the Solar System. At the same time, Io is very cold. The  ground around the volcanic vents sizzle, but most of Io’s surface is 150 degrees or more below 0 degrees C.