Fifth Grade Volcanoes
In the final days before winter break, fifth graders finished up their unit on volcanoes with a science class period filled with volcanic eruptions.
Boys were divided into small groups and assigned to research a specific volcano from around the world, such as Mt. Baker, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Parcutin, Wizard’s Island, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Suribachi. The boys researched their volcanoes for three weeks. Each group created a travel brochure for their volcano, a small poster highlighting facts and data, and then built a model of their volcanoes. On the big day, they presented facts about their volcanoes and answered questions from their classmates. Then the real fun began. Science teachers Mr. Parsons and Mr. Jacala did the honors and poured a mixture of chemicals (called “elephant’s toothpaste”) into each volcano. The results were explosive! The boys had a great time, and the science department successfully reminded the boys how fun science can be.
