Volcanoes

Today we did a fun science experiment.  We are learning about slow changes to the earth, such as erosion, weathering.  And rapid changes like earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods. 

The three third grades got together in our school lunchroom and made our own volcanoes.  It was so much fun!

We had groups of 4 work at kneading their clay and forming it around a small plastic cup.  Then we had them go over to another part of the lunchroom and watch a short film on Discovery Learning about volcanoes.  This gave the three teachers time to sneak around and add the baking soda and dish soap.

Once the movie was over, the children went back to their groups and number off 1-4.  We had number 1s add red food coloring and number 2s pour the vinegar into the cups.  Oh my gosh....the oohs and ahs were priceless!

After the first eruption, the groups had to predict if the "lava" would flow the same as last time, or if it would flow a different way.  Then we had the 3s add green food coloring and number 4s poured new vinegar into the cups.  The kids once again had oohs and ahs!

We discussed how sometimes lava flows in the same direction and how sometimes it doesn't.  Then we had a discussion about how they can decide where to build towns near a volcano, since they never know which way lava will flow.  It was a great discussion.

Here are some of the pictures of the volcanoes the groups made.

Don't you just love when your students LOVE something and LEARN at the same time???!!!