Making and Mapping a Volcano: Lava Layering

Students will:
*Construct a model of a volcano.

*Produce lava flows.

*Observe, draw, record, and interpret the history and stratification
of a volcano produced by the students.

*Make the connection between the life cycle of a volcano and why they see these features on Earth and Mars.

AGENDA:
90 Minutes
What is a volcano?
Is the Earth the only planet to have volcano?
Construct a volcano.
Have numerous volcano eruptions.
Make core samples and “pie” samples.
Share or present.

List of Materials

1 paper cup, 100 ml (4 oz.) size – cut down to a height of 1”.
2 paper cups, (6-8 oz.) size – 1 for baking soda, 1 for vinegar
Cardboard (or cookie sheet, box lid, etc.), approximately

At least 3 colors (preferably 4-6) of play dough or soft clay, fist-size pieces
Tape

Plastic spoon

Plastic knife

Ruler

1-3 clear drinking straws – cut into thirds

Baking soda (4-10 spoonful depending on number of lava flows)

Vinegar, (4-6 oz.) depending on number and size of flows

Paper towels

Colored pencils (preferably matching the colors of the play dough)

2 sheets of graph paper, 8.5 inches by 11 inches

Student worksheet – download PDF

Plastic wrap (optional – used if activity is done over two days)