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Volcano Activity

This volcano activity and worksheet are used with the MatchCard Science Geology Unit Study for 3rd to 6th grade students.

earths layers worksheet

MatchCard Science Volcano Activity

Objective: Identify the parts of a volcano.

MatchCard: Download below.

MatchCard Information Pieces are matched to the diagram on the volcano worksheet. Ideas for projects are listed on the instructor's page and below.

Build Your Own Volcano

Kits are available at toy stores, science stores, craft stores and just about any other store to build a volcano.

Okay, I will admit this is more of a craft project than a science project. However, I have yet to hear of a student complaining about doing it, so it is a good activity to generate interest in the subject. (By the way, its a rare student that doesn't find volcanoes intesting anyway.)

For those of you DIYers you can also make your own volcano with papermache or clay.

For those who aren't so inclined to either build a kit or construct your own volcano, a simple (and neater) version of the project below can be completed by simpling using a small cup or baby food jar.

Let's Erupt

Once your model of the volcano (above) is completely dry, it can be erupted. Due to the obvious difficulties of creating molten rock, these "eruptions" are done simply by mixing an acid and a base and watching the chemical reaction.

The usual combination is baking soda and vinegar. These are both safe and inexpensive.

Set the volcano on a table that is covered with a large sheet of paper, or an old table cloth the students are allowed to draw on.

Place one teaspoon of baking soda in the bottom of the volcano.

Pour 1/8 cup of vinegar on top of the baking soda. For added excitement, you may like to add red food coloring to the vinegar before pouring it into the volcano base.

Have the student measure how high the "ash" projects in the air.

Use a crayon to mark how far the "lava" flows from the base of the volcano.

Now repeat the steps above, using 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of vinegar.

Let the students discuss what would happen to the actual volcanic cone and the landscape around the volcano after multiple eruptions. Layers of lava would change the face of the volcano.

Documentary Please

National Geographic has produced a number of interesting documentaries on volcanoes, which are likely available at your local library.

Volcanoes are not only an interesting part of geology, but they are a powerful and extraordinary marvel of nature when they erupt. The impact of the lives of those who live near them is intriguing and has produced fascinating stories through the ages.

With multiple students in a small group, each can be asked to present a story of a volcanic eruption. The geograhic and geologic facts can be included as well as the impact on the lives of the community.

MatchCard Volcano Worksheet

The volcano worksheet (download below) can be printed with one copy for each student. They match the part of the volcano with the diagram.

Download and Use the Volcano Activity MatchCard

This is the eighth Matchcard of the Geology Unit Study. You can DOWNLOAD the
Volcano Activity Matchcard HERE.

The student matches the vocabulary term with the diagram on the volcano worksheet.

The second page is the Instructor's Guide with the correct answers.

The third page has the Information Pieces. Student's cut them apart and place them in the correct place on their copy of the Matchcard (first page.)

For more information on how to use the Matchcards, see the MatchCard Science Instructor's Guide.

More information on this interactive unit study is below.

MatchCard Science

The activities and illustration above are from MatchCard Science, a homeschool science unit study. For the complete Geology Unit Study follow this link. This unit study provides:

hands-on demonstrations
MatchCard reviews to master the material
suggestions for science projects to complete
instructions on a complete unit study curriculum

Currently this curriculum is under-going revision. We are providing free access to the unit study, with the desire that you will provide feedback as you are field testing the materials.

Return from Volcano Activity MatchCard to the MatchCard Science Main Page.

The Kid Friendly Homeschool Curriculum HOME PAGE.