How could I describe this building/carpentry process of a volcano for a science project?

Hi Y’all. I’m looking for some expertise here, in building with wood, paper mache’, etc, in order to make my short story more believable. I am writing about a father and daughter who are building a volcano for a science project. The father has visions of grandeur and wants to make it huge. The story is told from a very close 1st person perspective, so I am deep in his head, which means, his expertise, lingo, etc, needs to shine.

What I need are building materials, and processes that would need to take place to make it.

Here is what I am thinking with the exterior:

4 pieces of wood to stand that would make a pyramid structure.
4 pieces of wood for the base.

The exterior would need some sort of wrapping – I am thinking tarp, and maybe some fabric, and then a whole bunch of paper mache’ over the exterior to make it round. Perhaps some thick/industrial meshing would do here?

Then, on the inside, I want to make a cylinder run up the center and up through the top as the volcanic pipeline for explosions, effects, etc.

So yeah. Any bits and pieces of this would be very helpful… Like would I need nails, other obscure attachments, etc?

Also, any inkling into a carpenters mind would do – no parameters, just thought processes.

Thank you :)