Melted Minerals

Volcanic eruptions invite exploration of the Earth’s interior. This colorful exhibit is perfect for a science fair project or classroom display.

• 1.

  Around the world, there are approximately 1,500 active volcanoes. Does this sound like we live in seething turmoil? It may, until you learn that the definition of active includes any volcanoes that have erupted in the last 10,000 years.

• 2.

  Much of what makes a volcano erupt happens out of sight. Study volcanoes and find out what is taking place on the inside, under the mountain, below the Earth’s surface. Use your information to construct a cut-away view of an active volcano.

• 3.

  With Crayola® Scissors, cut out a volcano mountain shape from cardboard. Illustrate the inside of the volcano with Crayola Gel Markers. Use different colors to represent areas such as magma pools, central vent, sill, chambers, and earth plates. Color-code these on the cardboard or on a base of cardboard or oaktag.

• 4.

  Crumble recycled newspaper into boulder shapes. Cover with masking tape. Pile and attach these boulders behind the cardboard cutout to form the back slope of the volcano mountain.

• 5.

  Roll out Crayola Model Magic. Cover the taped newspaper armature with a layer of Model Magic. Use Crayola School Glue to reinforce any connections between Model Magic and the paper. Air-dry the mountain overnight.

• 6.

  Create colored modeling material for the outside of your volcano by blending white Model Magic with color from a Crayola Gel Marker. Roll into snakes and cover the mountainside. Leave cracks for fissures and secondary vents). Apply modeling material in th

• 7.

  Glue your volcano to its labeled base. Air-dry before displaying.

Benefits

• Students study the elements of an active volcano.
• Students identify the underground components of this geological occurrence.
• Students construct and label a three-dimensional model to represent their findings.

Adaptations

• Identify other activities that happen underground and chart their effect upon our planet. Consider both natural events and changes caused by humans.
• Develop a geological timeline to put recorded time on Earth in perspective. Note various volcanic eruptions and the land formations that resulted over time. Include lunar happenings, earthquakes, and other earth-shaking events, too.
• Contact a classroom in a school that is located fairly near an active volcano. Become pen pals to learn more about life next to a volcano.