Why Do Volcanoes Erupt?

by Wil Mara

2010

Ages: 7-12

Genre(s): Informational

Summary: Talking about the earth and what is under the earth, this book describes the different layers of the earth and the properties of each.  These explanations lead up to discussion of volcanoes. Each part of the volcano is described and illustrated making it very clear how the volcano works.

My reaction:  I found this book very interesting.  I believe this book would pique the interest of students and the illustrations make the information easier to understand.

Activity (from the book):  Make Your Own Volcano

An adult should help you with every step, and you should make sure you have plenty of paper towels or newspapers in case there is too much of a mess from your eruption?  (You may even want to consider doing the last step outside.)

What you will need:

• Two-liter plastic bottle
• Spare plank of wood (plywood will do) about three feet square
• Papier-måché
• Measuring cup and teaspoon
• Dishwashing liquid
• Baking soda (not baking powder)
• Red food coloring (optional)

What to Do:

1. Place the plastic bottle in the center of the wood plank, then build a mountain around it with the papier-måché.  The bottle cap should be off, because the opening will act as your volcano's vent.  Make sure the papier-måché is packed tightly around the bottle hole but is not covering it. 
2. Dry your mountain fully overnight.
3. Combine one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup.  You can also add a few drops of red food coloring to make the mixture look more lavaliere.
4. Once it is all mixed, pour it into the open hole of the plastic bottle.
5. Now pour a quarter cup of white vinegar into the hole, and stand back! Your volcano should erupt almost instantly.