Plate Tectonics: Make Your Own VOLCANO LAB! (Extended Version; EASY TO DO; FUN)

This is the extended version complete with actual procedural photographs.

MAKE YOU OWN VOLCANO! IT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND!

This version provides pictures in case one does not actually have the materials below. If materials are available to you, see below for must haves and optional materials.

Material MUST HAVES: Flask, stopper or cork, baking soda, and vinegar.

Optional materials to enhance the experience: paper towels, tape, ruler, beaker, goggles, and scissors.

This kid and adult friendly lab brings volcanic explosions right to your fingertips. Construct your very own volcano with all the key components and features. Make important connections between scientific terminology, lab procedure, and lab results. This is a guaranteed winner. This particular lab is specially modified for struggling college prep learners, IEP students, and inclusion students. Nevertheless, it has been a hit across the board from grades 3 – 9 no matter the ability level of the student. Volcano making is fun no matter the age.

THIS PARTICULAR VERSION HAS STEP BY STEP PROCEDURAL PICTURES THAT ALLOW THE VOLCANOLOGIST TO HAVE A COMPLETE EXPERIENCE AND BUILD THE BEST VOLCANO POSSIBLE.

Additionally, if the experimenter does not have the necessary materials, one can still absorb the primary lab concepts simply by following the pictures in the lab procedure.

This lab includes volcano introduction terminology prior to the lab section: silica rich gas, crater, caldera, vent, and magma chamber. Also covered are the parts of a volcano and the volcano lab involving baking soda and vinegar. It is suggested that the vinegar be wrapped in paper towel and scotch taped into a small square that fits in the flask. The reason being that it will temper the gas releasing creating a dramatic eruption of the rubber stopper. Make sure the rubber stopper is pressed firmly onto the top of the flask. Once the lab is complete the conclusion questions cover the types of volcanoes: shield, cinder cone, and strata (composite). Enjoy!

As stated before, this works well for any level but is GREAT for special education students or college prep learners that need an alternative assessment and may not be great at traditional labs.

Also, perfect for homeschooling!

WIDE RANGE OF ABILITY LEVELS! The application to a diverse body of learners, whether it be age or ability level, is predicated on the fact that the instructor can determine the difficulty level of the whole activity or part of the activity based on what information is given and what information is not as well as how verbal questions are presented to the student(s).

A great addition to your geology teaching library.

Within the classroom, this activity has been consistently very successful and acclaimed by students in grades 3rd – 9th within multiple types of schools - public, private, and charter.

This work has also been shared at workshops, in-services, and conferences.

Great feedback from parents, teachers, and administrators.

Applicable to many state science assessments and benchmarks.

Has been applied to state mandated North Carolina end of year tests for science in grades 5 and 8.

Even used by teachers in New York State as a preparation for the Earth Science Grade 9 Regents Exam.

Answer key provided.

Our goal is your satisfaction! If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will promptly assist you. Your feedback is very valuable to us as we strive to produce the highest quality products possible.

*Activity designed, completed, and submitted at private residence/educational resource center*

Sincerely,

Geo Leo and Meteo Mike
“The Tar Heel Tandem”
“Southern Science Specialists”