You could use a model of a volcano for your study of volcanoes but wouldn’t something more unusual be a fun surprise? You’ll also love the Free Homeschool Volcano Unit Study and Fun Apple Volcano.
October 26th just happens to be National Pumpkin Day.
So, turning one into a volcano just seems like a great way to celebrate that during fall.
A foaming, oozing pumpkin volcano can be a great hands-on experiment to demonstrate volcanoes.
Too, gaining an understanding why volcanoes erupt is essential to appreciate and respect the amazing power of nature and the impact it has on people and the environment.
While volcanoes can be scary and very destructive, believe it or not, volcanic eruptions can also have several positive effects on people and the environment.
- Volcanic soil is rich in nutrients, which makes it an excellent source for agriculture.
- We can use the heat from volcanic activity for geothermal energy, a renewable energy source.
- Volcanoes attract tourists, which increases money to the local economy.
What Causes Volcanoes to Erupt?
There are 3 main factors that can cause a volcano to erupt:
- Tectonic activity-Volcanoes are more likely to erupt if they are located near tectonic plate boundaries (where the Earth’s crust is moving and colliding). This type of movement can cause fractures and weakness in the rocks, which makes it much easier for magma to reach the surface.
- Gas Content-Volcanic eruptions happen when the pressure inside the magma chamber exceeds the surrounding pressure. If the magma has a high gas content, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, it creates more pressure and makes it more likely to erupt.
- Temperature- The higher the temperature that the magma is the easier it is for it to move and breach the surface. Hotter magma is also more fluid, which makes it easier for gas bubbles to escape and build pressure.
Additionally, look at some of these books about volcanoes.
I always lean toward living books first and then add in non-fiction books as needed.
12 Volcano Books & Resources
Add one or two of these books to learn about volcanoes and add some hands-on ideas to learn about the types of volcanoes.
Did you know there are four main types of volcanoes? Or that volcanoes are classified as active, dormant, or extinct? The Devil’s Tower in Wyoming is an extinct volcano. It’s about 40.5 million years old!
Simple explanation of how an island is formed. B/ W sketch illustrations.
As Dawn breaks, mount kahlualualuau is spewing its fiery lava down onto meepleville. The natives are frantically trying to escape the rivers of lava and remain on safe ground. Whoever’s tribe survives the eruption with the most Meeples shall be the winner!
In this extraordinary photographic essay, Patricia Lauber details the Mount St. Helens eruption and the years following in Volcano: Eruption and Healing of Mt. St. Helen's.Through this clear accurate account, readers of all ages will share the awe of the scientists who witnessed both the power of the volcano and the resiliency of life.
Science is vital for every inhabitant of today’s world, and being scientifically informed and literate is a crucial part of any child’s education. Science can seem daunting –- especially as scientific knowledge advances so quickly –- and this volume is the perfect purchase for any family. It will bear repeated use by all the family from 10+ through the teenage years.
Conditions on Earth are becoming more and more extreme and kids want to learn about it!
Is it true that, at any given time, about 20 volcanoes are erupting somewhere on Earth? Yes! Sometimes volcanoes erupt with a big, dangerous bang. Other times they spit out lava so slowly that you could walk faster than it flows.
‘[An] irresistible account of a child’s imaginary 8,000-mile journey through the earth to discover what’s inside. Facts about the composition of the earth are conveyed painlessly and memorably.’ —SLJ. ‘An exciting adventure. . . . Illustrations [by Caldecott Medal winner Marc Simont] explode with color and action.’ —CS.
The cool story of volcanoes will intrigue kids and adults alike. Hot melted rock from the middle of our planet forces its way up through cracks in the Earth’s crusts, exploding violently and sometimes unexpectedly in volcanic fury that can terrorize populations for months, even years.
Kids will burst with excitement as they learn all about the science and wonder of volcanoes in this new National Geographic Kids Reader.
UNFORGETTABLE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS – This is a great hands-on experiment kit for any science fair; the updated mold and instructions make it easy to assemble a sturdy volcano form and realistic paint colors give the volcano a lifelike look.
This set of 48 cards features a colorful illustration on one side and informational facts on the other side.
MIX YOUR OWN LAVA: Use the included mixture to form your own “lava” and experiment with explosions by making your own volcano erupt!
Too, look at more study of volcanoes resources.
Volcano Activities & Resources
- Volcanoes For Kids breaks down parts of a volcano, eruptions, and types of volcanoes in a simple and interesting way for kids.
- If you want to create your own volcano from salt dough here is a great post on How to Make a Volcano For Kids.
- For more fantastic info and ideas for volcanos you will want to also check out my Free Homeschool Volcano Unit Study and Fun Apple Volcano.
- Try a Glittery Underwater Volcano, what a fun new spin on volcanoes.
- Turn ear popping candy into a science experiment when you use it for this Pop Rocks Volcano.
- Make Easy DIY Volcano Slime Recipe that Really Erupts! I love how this is a fresh twist and kids love any added sensory experience.
- Print and use my Mini Volcano Book and Label Layers of Earth Mini Book to add some more depth and helpful information to your unit study.
- Infographic: Volcanoes Inside Out- This is a great infographic to print and use as reference in your study.
Finally, look how to make this fun vinegar volcano pumpkin.
Pumpkin Volcano
I like to add dish soap to our homemade vinegar volcanoes to create a thick foamy fluid that it’s fun to watch ooze over the top.
You will need:
- 2 cups vinegar
- 1 cup of warm water
- ¼ cup baking soda
- Generous squirt of dish soap
- Food coloring
First, move your pumpkin somewhere outdoors where you don’t mind a mess. It is an easy clean up though, just spray away the mixture with the water hose.
Cut the top off your pumpkin.
Add a few drops of food coloring and even some glitter if you like.
Fill a little more than halfway with the warm water.
Mix baking soda and dish soap
Pour into the pumpkin.
Stir gently to combine a bit.
When you are ready to go pour the vinegar inside the pumpkin, the reaction is quick so be ready!
A fun thing about this experiment is that it is very easy to repeat it over and over by adding more vinegar and baking soda.
You can change the colors with new food coloring or test the effects of adding more or less dishwashing liquid.
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