Open up geology to elementary school children with volcanoes.
Our planet is dynamic and ever-changing, and one of the most dramatic and drastic examples of this is the volcano. The violent explosions caused by this natural phenomenon are often interesting to younger children, thus it is a great topic of study for elementary school children. Below are some examples of projects a third-grader could create on volcanoes.
Baking Soda Volcano
Most children love the result of mixing vinegar and baking soda. Put 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl and then slowly add vinegar and watch a reaction take place. The mixture is non-toxic and there is not so much an explosion as bubbles. However, wearing goggles would be a good idea. Children can create a paper mach effect around the bowl to add an arts and crafts element to the project.
Identifying the Three Types of Volcanoes
Have the children create a poster demonstrating one or all of the three different types of volcanoes: cinder cone, composite and shield. They can draw an example of the different types of volcanoes and explain what distinguishes each one. They should also research and show famous examples of each type of volcano.
Cake Batter Lava
This project is not one that children should perform, but rather is an activity the teacher can perform to give children an understanding about how lava flows and creates rock. Using cake batter to represent the lava, pour the mixture down a slanted, flat surface. Plexiglass would be a great option for this experiment, but plywood or a large cutting board would work as well. You can then teach the children about the different types of rocks that are created when lava cools and how it can change the landscape. Rock created by lava (above ground) or magma (below ground) is called igneous rock, and some types of igneous rocks include granite, scoria and obsidian.
The Earth's Layers and How Volcanoes are Formed
The earth is made of layers, such as the core, the inner mantle, the upper mantle and the crust. Volcanoes are formed when magma from the mantle below the crust forces its way up through the crust. Students can create diagrams of the earth's layers, including where a volcano is formed by magma pushing up through the crust. They can also discuss how volcanoes can form islands, such as Hawaii or Iceland.
Tags: different types, baking soda, different types volcanoes, elementary school, elementary school children
