here are many different types of volcanoes. Shield volcanoes have a broad rounded shape and gentle splattery eruptions often described as fire fountains. Strato volcanoes are sharp and steep sided and have violent explosive eruptions. But what makes these two types of volcano look and erupt so differently? It is mainly controlled by how think (viscous) or runny the magma in the volcano is...

In this experiment you can use 3 different thickness (viscosity) liquids to see what differences runny or thick magma can cause in volcanoes.

Volcanic eruptions are driven by gas dissolved in molten rock (magma) underground trying to escape upwards. But what happens if the gas gets trapped and can't get out?

In this experiment you can trap more and more gas in a sealed container, in the same way gas can get trapped in a volcano, and see what happens...

Download the instructions and information sheet.

Volcanoes form when hot molten rock (magma) under the ground erupts at the surface, but what causes the molten rock to erupt? Eruptions are often driven by gases escaping…

In this experiment you can start a chemical reaction that creates a gas, and see how the gas escaping drives an eruption.

This experiment and video was devised by the Volcano Seismology group in the Earth Science Department, University of Cambridge.

Download the instructions and information sheet.

Make your own sleepover (or next day) snacks with this baking session from the Museum of Cambridge.

Gather up your blankets, sheets and cushions to build a nest fit for a dormouse. 

Join the Museum of Zoology to discover how dormice create a cosy winter hide-away and have a go at creating your own giant nest, big enough for you to take a nap in.

Watch Artist Ian Brownlie as he shows you how to make your own shadow puppet and put on your own play at home, all inspired by a beautiful puppet at Kettle's Yard.

Make a whole zoo of shadow puppets, inspired by those from South East Asia at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

All you need is some paper, colouring pencils or pens, scissors, a pencil and sticky tape.

Download an ELEPHANT puppet template here

Have a go at making balloon rockets to race with your friends. Discover how mass affects how far the rocket travels.

Download the activity here.

The Naseby was a built in 1655 and was the most famous ship in Oliver Cromwell’s navy. It had 80 guns, and 650 men lived and worked on it! 

Learn more about the ship and then have a go at creating your model and set sail for adventure.

Download the activity here.