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Geography

Volcano in a Cup

Overview

Students create a simple model eruption to explore volcanic processes.

Learning Objective
Students understand how volcanoes erupt and why they form where they do.

Resources needed

  • Soil or clay
  • Small container
  • Water
  • Vinegar and baking soda (if available) OR just water and soil

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Build a cone shape from soil or clay.
  2. 2 Leave a hole at the top.
  3. 3 Discuss what a volcano is and where they occur.
  4. 4 Pour water slowly into the hole to simulate lava flow.
  5. 5 Observe how the liquid moves.
  6. 6 Discuss what real lava does to the land.
  7. 7 Talk about why people live near volcanoes despite the danger.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Add baking soda and vinegar for a fizzing effect.
  • Compare steep and gentle cone shapes.
More information

Teach crater, lava, erupt, cone.

Use drawings if materials are limited.

Can students explain what happens during an eruption and name one reason people live near volcanoes?

Use soil and water only. The cone and flow can be demonstrated in the school ground.

Students often think all volcanic eruptions are explosive. Many are gentle lava flows. Discuss the difference.

Links to tectonic plates and physical geography.

Activity details
Primary Easy 20 minutes 5 mins prep Small Group Outdoor
Topics
Volcanoes Physical Geography