06. Volcanoes

OUTCOMES:

- model how magma becomes lava

- label and explain the different parts of a volcano

- present information about volcanoes in the form of a poster / infographic.

Activity:Use the wax models to look at how magma pushes through the ground to form new rocks. You can add water (and blue food dye) to the model to see what happens when this occurs under the sea.

Don't forget to draw and label before and after photographs as a record of your learning.

Activity:

Watch the model using honey and a cookie that demonstrates how the heat inside the Earth causes a convection current that can move the Earth's tectonic plates.

Activity:

Choose one of the four paper model volcanoes and carefully cut out and make it.

Use the information on the sheets to research and produce a poster about your volcano.

Your poster should include:

- a photograph of your completed model.

- an explanation of where your volcano is in the world.

- a picture of a map that shows where your volcano is in the world.

- identification of what type of volcano it is (the image below may help)

- information about when your volcano last erupted and what damage it did when it erupted.

A volcano is a rupture in Earth’s crust. Liquid rock (magma), gas and ash escape from Earth’s interior through the rupture. The magma cools and becomes solid rock. This rock forms new crust or land.

Where are volcanoes found?

Volcanoes are often found where tectonic plates converge or diverge.
At diverging plates, magma can escape through the space between plates (this space is called a rift). Volcanoes form at the rift, creating new crust at the boundary between the plates.
At converging plates, the subducted plate melts. The melted rock (magma) can escape through a rupture in the other plate near the boundary.
Volcanoes can also be found in areas away from plate boundaries. These areas are known as “hotspots.” Hotspots are regions in Earth where hot columns of magma (called mantle plumes) rise to Earth’s surface. The magma escapes through Earth’s crust and thus, forms a volcano. The most well-known hotspot exists in the Pacific Ocean. The volcanoes that formed the Hawaiian Islands are powered by this hotspot.

Structure of a Volcano

Magma chamber: Below a volcano is a large pool of molten rock or magma. This pool of magma forms a magma chamber. Magma in the magma chamber will escape through the volcano.
Conduit (pipe): The conduit or pipe is an underground passageway that transports magma from the magma chamber to the surface of Earth.
Vent: The vent is the opening in the Earth’s crust through which magma escapes the volcano.
Crater: The top of the volcano is often depressed. This depression is called a crater. The crater surrounds the vent.
Side Vent: Some volcanoes have “accessory” vents through which magma can escape. These vents are called side vents.
Lava Flow: Once the magma reaches Earth’s surface, it is called lava. Lava is hot, molten rock. It flows down and out from the vent (and side vents). It cools to form sold, igneous rock.

Interesting Fact: Volcanoes exist on other planets and moons.

Activity:

Cut out the organizer. Cut along the solid lines. Fold along the dotted line. Label the parts of the volcano. Then describe each part under the flaps.