Volcanoes have a huge impact on the landscape of an area.
The awesome power of a volcanic eruption makes this phenomenon an ideal topic for a science fair project. A student can conduct a research project on the history of volcanic activity and the lessons learned or examine the composition of a volcano and present this information at the science fair. Replicating a volcanic eruption is another option; this can be messy but good fun.
Active Volcano
One of the most obvious volcano science project ideas for the fourth grade is constructing a working model of one. This project is divided into three sections: building the volcano model with a depression in the middle for the volcanic activity, conducting and presenting research for scientific credit and making the volcanic mixture. To build the model volcano, first construct a basic framework out of chicken wire in the shape of a volcanic cone then add layers of paper-mache over the top of the frame. To make the volcanic mixture, the student will need to put baking soda in the volcano's cone then add vinegar dyed red. The resulting reaction will recreate a volcanic eruption.
Cut-away Volcano
Volcanoes can be complex in structure so a three-dimensional diagram of a volcano makes an ideal science fair project. The student handling this project makes a model volcano out of paper-mâch or clay but, instead of completing the volcano model, the student leaves it as a cut-away on one side so that the innards can be seen. These inner-workings -- such as the sill, branch pipe, magma reservoir and conduit -- can then be presented by the student at the science fair.
Different Types of Cones
This is fundamentally a research project that requires the student to identify the several different types of cones produced by volcanic activity. These different cone types have a marked effect on the geography of a volcanic area. These types of cones include stratocones, where large, cylindrical cones are formed from eruption after eruption over an extended period of time. When these eruptions of lava cool they form layers or stratas. Splatter cones occur when lava is spewed high into the air and forms irregular shapes that meld together upon landing. Cinder cones are formed from shattered lumps of volcanic rock that cover the outside of the volcano following an eruption. The student can use clay and other modeling material to build models of different cones and present their differences at the science fair.
Protection Against Volcanic Eruption
For this project, the student will research the effects of previous volcanic eruptions on human life and property. The students will then examine what precautions were taken -- or could have been taken -- to protect people living in volcanic areas from the effects of eruption. This demonstrates that the student has an active scientific mind and is adept at problem identification and solving, as well as the application of theoretical science to human concerns.
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