VOLCANOES - 5th Grade November

Activity Overview: An OUTSIDE demonstration/simulation of the different lava flows between a shield

volcano (Hawaiian Islands) and a composite volcano (Mt. St. Helens). Presenter leads experiment and discussion points. Helpers set up and assist. Remind students to bring their clipboard and pencil and distribute one observation

sheet to each group. Lead students across the kiss n ride street then left along the ride loop to where it meets

the upper field sidewalk. Conduct experiments in this area with each team lined up in a row. About 1 ½ sidewalk squares per group (lava spreads 1 foot).

Indoor Rain Option: see note at the end.

Experiments

Hawaiian Island Station (shield volcano): Use the chemical reaction between baking soda and citric acid to simulate the gases and slower moving magma flow. Groups complete TWO volcanic reactions: one with a larger opening (the cup) and one with the smaller opening (the graduated cylinder). Groups record observations.

Materials Graduated cylinder – 5 Plastic cup - 5 Container of Water Citric Acid Baking Soda Metal Stirrer

Spoon Funnel Measuring Tape Observation Sheet Metal pan – 5

(indoor only)

Procedure1. Run this experiment like an assembly line with students lined up in 4-5 groups about 1½

sidewalk squares apart. (see experiment location above). Helpers move down the line, each with a job noted below.

2. Once outside and lined up, helpers give each group one cup and one graduated cylinder.3. Helper One walks to each group and pours water to the 100 mark on the cylinder.4. Student pours the water from the cylinder into the cup.5. Helper Two walks to each group with bag of citric acid and metal stirrer. The student

adds 1 heaping spoonful of citric acid to the cup of water and uses the metal stirrer to dissolve.

6. Helper Three tells students the reaction will begin when the baking soda is added. Tell the students to place the cup on ground and measure the reaction’s duration by counting from when the foam begins to flow to when it stops reacting in the cup.

Updated 11/7/19

7. Helper Three offers baking soda to each group. The student adds 2 heaping spoonfuls of baking soda.

8. When reaction is complete, students measure the distance the “lava” flowed.9. Repeat experiment by using the small opening graduated cylinder and filling the line to

the 50 mark. Use 1 heaping spoonful of citric acid and 2 heaping spoonfuls of baking soda.

10. Record results and discuss. Drawing pictures of volcanoes and reactions is a great idea!

Discussion PointsWhat did you observe? What was the eruption like? What conclusion can you draw based on the difference in distance between the volcanoes with varying openings?

Mt. St. Helens Station (composite volcano):The goal of this project is to visualize a quick volcanic eruption created when Mentos candy dissolves in diet soda.

Materials Mentos mint candy Diet Soda

Geyser Tube Observation Sheet

Procedure1. Open geyser tube lid and fill with the Mentos candies (approx. half a roll).2. Open the soda and attach the geyser tube (make sure red pin is closed so candy stays

in).3. Remind students to observe the height, trajectory, and duration and record

observations.4. Students stand clear while one brave and quick-to-retreat student pulls the red pin. The

eruption is FAST!

Discussion PointsWhat did you observe? What would happen if the opening were smaller (more pressure/more explosive)?

RAINY DAY OPTIONThe shield volcano experiment is modified to use a metal pan indoors. The composite eruption could take place with students observing from under the kiss n ride awning while a volunteer conducts the experiment in the circle. Or there are volcano videos accessible in the presentation.

Note: Please wash and dry items and place back in respective bags/boxes with the presentation, activity instructions and login directions. Please return the Activity Supplies to the Teacher Workroom. Thank you!

Updated 11/7/19