Volcanoes Are a Blast!

thingiverse

Volcanoes are one of the most captivating natural phenomena that elementary students love to learn about. This project utilizes their interest while also building design and presentation skills. With a little sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid, these models actually erupt! Standards: NGSS CCSS Overview and Background As part of a geology unit, students or student teams will research volcanoes in preparation for the design process. Students can either research multiple volcano types or focus on a single type. Following their research on volcanoes, students will design their volcano(es) using Tinkercad. Presentations can include live demonstrations (Eruption Party!) or video/editing skills can be utilized by requiring students to create a short video discussing their research and including a clip of the mighty "explosion". Lesson Plan and Activity Students or student teams conduct research on volcano types, recording their findings on a graphic organizer which includes space for sketching model ideas suitable for the grade level. Students design volcano(es) using Tinkercad. If this is the first exposure to Tinkercad, allot time to complete some of the tutorials whole class and/or during open practice time. Depending on student design skill, printer filament can be conserved by requiring a limit on size, volume or weight, requiring students to redesign to meet specified perimeters. Students will use completed graphic organizers to create presentations which can occur during the printing process. Including a live or dramatically filmed demo will really make this project a blast! Devote class time to students' presentations and watch your class's knowledge of volcanoes, the research process, presentation skills and design moxie blossom! Materials Needed "Lava" Material: Baking Soda Vinegar Dish Soap Red Food Coloring Duration of Lesson 3-5 class sessions for research and design (does not including print time) Preparation Since this will likely conclude a unit on volcanoes, students will likely have seen videos of actual eruptions. I also encourage having a model ready to erupt as an inspiration for the design process. References USGS Volcano Quick Reference Page Second Grade NGSS Standards Fifth Grade NGSS Standards