Saltpeter Volcano

This was another semi-dangerous one. Basically Potasium Nitrate, or "Saltpeter" is a common element used for fireworks and derived gunpowder, good thing for us kids it was availble at the chemistry lab at school. The stuff doesnt burn unless you add some form of carbon, the best for smoke output was sugar!

Step #1 - Dig a massive, basketball sized hole in the middle of a open field & fill it with saltperter and sugar.

Step #2 - Stick a pencil in the center of the pile and fill the hole with dirt. Pack it in good!

Step #3 - Caaaaafully pull out the pencil and fill the hole with more saltpeter. Light it! Suffice to say that when it burns down to the large pile it erupts violently, scaring away the bravest of dogs and filling the air with a cotton-candy flatulence smell !