Four to six flows show a good example of a shield volcano, but three flows will be adequate for a simple shield volcano model.
Depending on the length of the class period, students can create volcanoes one day and investigate student-created volcanoes the next day.If using only 3 colors of play dough (which yields 3 lava flows), initially limit students to making 1 stream cut and taking 3 core samples (see Procedures, Part 2, Step 7).Each group of 2-4 students will need at least 3, preferably 4-6, different colors of play dough – one for each lava flow.
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Either commercially available or homemade play dough ( download recipe) may be used.This activity is best utilized when students have already learned a bit about volcanoes.Plastic wrap (optional – used if activity is done over two days) Management Vinegar, 100-150 ml (4-6 oz.) depending on number and size of flowsĬolored pencils (preferably matching the colors of the play dough)Ģ sheets of graph paper, 8.5 inches by 11 inches Make the connection between the life cycle of a volcano and why they see these features on Earth and Marsġ paper cup, 100 ml (4 oz.) size – cut down to a height of 2.5 cmĢ paper cups,150-200 ml (6-8 oz.) size – 1 for baking soda, 1 for vinegarĬardboard (or cookie sheet, box lid, etc.), approximately 45cm2Īt least 3 colors (preferably 4-6) of play dough or soft clay, fist-size pieces ( download play dough recipe)ġ-3 clear drinking straws – cut into thirdsīaking soda (4-10 spoonfuls depending on number of lava flows).Observe, draw, record, and interpret the history and stratigraphy of a volcano produced by other students.Various colors of play dough identify different eruption events. Baking soda, vinegar and play dough are used to model fluid lava flows. The focus of this activity is on interpreting geologic history through volcano formation and excavation. For related resources in Spanish, see the Explora Más en Español section below.