Magnificent Magma

Purpose: To help students understand the forces that make volcanoes erupt Materials

• Prepare magma ahead of class.
  Recipe for magma:
  1. 1 box of cornstarch
  2. water
  3. red food coloring
  4. flavoring (optional)
  5. Add water to cornstarch t desired consistency (not too dry and not too wet).
  6. Add food coloring and flavoring. Mix well.
  7. Store in an airtight container.
• 1 10" X 10" square of waxed paper per student
• 1 spoon per student
• 1 plastic zipper bag per student (optional)

Procedure

1. Observe the magma and record your observations in your science journal.
2. Place the magma in the palm of your left hand and, holding your fingers close together, squeeze your hand into a fist.
3. Record your observations and draw a picture of your fist and the magma before and after squeezing.
4. Repeat steps 2-3, but this time leave your fingers slightly apart.
5. Repeat steps 2-3 again, leaving your fingers wide apart.
6. Repeat steps 2-3, experimenting with squeezing your forcefully.

Conclusion

1. What did the squeezing of your hand represent?
2. What did the spaces between your fingers represent?
3. What conclusion can you reach?
4. Does the volcano in the story have magma? Why or why not?

Extension

1. Build models of the three different types of volcanoes and create various types of eruptions. Vinegar and baking soda will cause a more violent eruption than vinegar, baking soda, and a few drops of dish detergent.
2. Bring in samples of rocks created from magma and lava and have students research how each one was made; for example, obsidian and pumice were created when violently erupted and quickly cooled.