Make an erupting model of the volcano of Paricutín.
In February 1943, the farmland outside the small Mexican village of San Salvador Paricutín experienced a strange phenomenon. Within a matter of days, a massive volcano arose from indigenous farmer Dionisio Pulido's cornfield. Over the next nine years, the volcano of Paricutin intermittently spewed ash and lava over the surrounding countryside. The volcano of Paricutin offers educators an opportunity to address both Mexican history and geological landforms in one lesson. Build an erupting model of the volcano of Paricutín to engage student interest in the subject matter.
Instructions
1. Attach the bottom of a 6-inch plastic bowl to one end of a 10-inch piece of 4-inch-diameter cardboard shipping tube with hot glue. Glue the other end of the tube to the center of a 36-inch square of 3/8-inch thick plywood.
2. Draw an oval on the plywood around the tube measuring approximately 14 inches by 7-½ inches. This is the volcano's footprint.
3. Use hot glue and masking tape to attach pieces of tightly crumpled newspaper around the tube and bowl. Build up the newspaper to resemble the volcano of Paricutin (see Resources). Do not cover the plastic bowl on top of the volcano with newspaper.
4. Mix 2 quarts of plaster of Paris according to the manufacturer's directions. Apply a thin layer of the plaster to the volcano with the putty knife. Allow the plaster to dry for one hour. Sand off any rough edges with a fine to medium grit sanding sponge. Repeat this process until the volcano is the desired shape.
5. Paint the volcano and surrounding landscape with tempera paint. Apply a thin layer of water-based, clear polyurethane once the paint is completely dry.
6. An hour before you begin your lesson, place 1/2 cup of baking soda into the plastic dish crater of your volcano. In a separate container, mix 10 oz of white vinegar with 6 drops of red food coloring. Place the volcano in a prominent position in your classroom.
7. Begin your lesson with an account of the events leading up to the formation of the volcano of Paricutin. As you begin to describe the volcano's first eruption, pour the vinegar solution over the baking soda. The resulting "eruption" will grab your students' attention and spark interest in your lesson.
Tags: volcano Paricutin, your lesson, Apply thin, Apply thin layer, around tube
