Lab 15 – Volcano Model
NOTE: This activity may require “prep-work” such as construction of a volcano-model using paper mache – and then separately making use of the model after it has dried.
GRADE-LEVEL adjustments. Some variation of this activity is often performed in lower grades. Even so, with an elevated context this otherwise lower-grade activity can be adjusted to – and applicable to – high school students.
Example 1 of high-school modification
- Identify and Discuss Potential Risks, Hazards, and Safety Concerns of this Activity.
- Identify and Discuss Opportunities for Measurement and Comparison of Team Results.
- Clarify this Activity’s Relationship to the STEM practice of Developing and Using Models.
- Discuss how this Activity/Model Illustrates the Cross-Cutting Concepts of Cause and Effect, and Stability & Change.
Example 2 of high-school modification
- Assign separate teams to create either a shield volcano or a stratovolcano. Identify real-life examples of each and discuss how the separate models convey similarities and differences of the two types of volcanoes.
- Emphasize the impact of volcanoes on the their immediate surroundings, on wildlife, on vegetation, and on human populations.
- Research and discuss the creation of the Hawaiian Islands – especially as they relate to movements of the Pacific plate.
Overview
Making a soda-bottle volcano is a classic science experiment that doubles as a great excuse to make an explosive mess. There are multiple combinations of materials that will lead to a memorable (and fun) explosion. Two of the classic soda-bottle volcanos are made with soda and Mentos® candy mints (which can produce eruptions of up to 18 feet if done correctly) or a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Note that performing the Mentos® candy explosions require performing the “explosions” outside, and with appropriate safety precautions (eye injury, in particular is a potential risk). A third option (non-explosive, non-eruptive) may be best for younger students. A model of a non-eruptive volcano can be used as a hands-on activity, and painted to illustrate a lava flow.
Pre-Work
- Review paper meche spruce craft web link
- Review paper meche ultimate paper meche web link
Lesson 1 (or “Day 1”) Material
Lesson 2 (or “Day 2”) Group/Team Lab Material
- Materials needed: varies depending on several factors including “type of model”, potential constraints requiring in-door activities only, age/maturity of students, and teacher judgement. Here, three generalized types of volcano models are presented.
- Suggestion: Divide class into small teams of 2-6 students/each.
- Select a volcano model type for the class, or allow teams to select their own from the three types listed below.
3:47 Footage of the 1980 Mount St. Helens Eruption
6:51 How to Classify Volcanoes
4:02 The Five Deadliest Volcano Eruptions In Human History
Volcano Model (options)
Indoor, non-eruptive, 3-dimensions hands-on
Refer to the paper meche links provided at the top of this page. Using these techniques, students create a “mountain” – and once dry – paint the mountain brown with white snow at the top and red lava from the top of the cone toward the bottom of the model.
Indoor/outdoor, baking soda/vinegar, “shield volcano” flowing but not eruptive
Gather the necessary materials. For this volcano, each student group needs 400 milliliters (13.5 fl oz) of vinegar, 200 mL of water, a squirt of dishwashing liquid, a large spoonful of baking soda, an empty 2-liter soda bottle, and red food coloring.
Outdoor, diet cola/Mentos, “stratovolcano” eruptive
Gather the necessary materials. To make this type of volcano, each student group needs a two-liter bottle of cola, a roll of Mentos® brand candy mints, and a large open area. Diet cola appears to work better than regular soda (it’s also less sticky than regular soda). Sodas with caramel color look more like ‘lava’ when they erupt as compared to clear lemon-lime sodas
Suggested Related Topics
This activity is a recommended topic enhancer for the following topics:
- 15 Earth Science (Types of Models)
- 25 Earth Science (Volcanoes and Earthquakes)
- 43 Physical Science (Planet Earth II)
Instructor Emphasis:
- Lab emphasis: Lab Safety, Data Measurements
- Science and engineering practices: Develop and use models
- Crosscutting Concepts: Cause and Effect; Stability and Change