Volcano Day

This week in school we have been studying volcanoes.  I like to use unit studies by Amanda Bennett and Logan picked out the one on volcanoes.  I learned just as much as him during this study too.  They are a really fun way to learn about a topic, but another reason I like to use them is because they are cross-curriculum.  We learn about science, geography, chemistry, history, etc....through these studies.

One of Logan's friends, Nathaniel Randolph, recently started being homeschooled.  I told his mom about these studies and this week we did the study simultaneously.  On the last day, we had a "Volcano Day".  It was a fun, yet educational day. 

We first recorded a news show. 

It was hilarious.  For a good laugh, click on this link to see the video: Volcano News

Our next activity was making lava lamps.  This was an easy, inexpensive, fascinating project. 
Here's how what you need:

-Vegetable oil

-Groovy shaped water bottles

-Food coloring

-Alka-Seltzer

-Funnel

-Water

First fill up the water bottles half way with vegetable oil:

 
Next, fill the rest of the water bottle with water:

Then add food coloring:

The next step is where the magic happens.  Break up an Alka-Seltzer and drop in the bottle. 

Watch it bubble...

(before watching the video scroll down to the bottom of the page and pause the music)

Our next activity was explosive.  We did this a few years ago, but it is a favorite!  You can get this kit at Hobby Lobby.  Make sure you get diet coke so it isn't sticky.

We quickly learned that we needed to do this on a flatter surface because this was our first attempt:

Our last project was making our own volcano.  Here's how to make your own.  First get a tub, dirt, and a jar.  Place the jar in the center and put dirt all around the jar:

Add 1/2 cup of water:

Add 1/2 cup of baking soda:

Add 6 TBS of dishwashing liquid:

Add red food coloring:

Stir together:

Take turns☺

Then, add 1/2 cup vinegar and watch it erupt!

They said it was Mt. Vesuvius covering Pompeii.

Logan already asked to make another one.

Amanda made these cool treats that represent the parts of the earth. 

It shows the crust, mantle, and core when you cut it open:

I think we should take a field trip to see some volcanoes in Hawaii☺ Whether you homeschool or not, these are great studies to do with your children.  Next week, we are going to do study about Israel.  I already want to go there!