FIFTH GRADE SCIENCE LAB

In Earth Science (Earth’s Changing Surface) the Fifth Graders learned about how volcanoes are formed, and why they erupt.. They were excited also to learn that volcanic Islands are formed. One example that they researched was the Island of Dominica, which is noted for its black sandy beaches.

With their curiosity, and excitement for the events that change Earth’s surface, a great follow-up activity was creating a volcano. So in Fifth Grade Science lab, the students, created, and had the satisfaction of observing their volcanoes erupt. They worked together in groups and made a volcano using, soda and water bottles, clay, newspaper, and flour. They analyzed and strategize using Scientific terms, and had fun learning about what caused a volcano to erupt, the location of volcanoes, disasters that occur as a result of volcanoes both on land and underwater through research. They also learn that some volcanoes will only let out ash, which is less destructive. They had the pleasure of naming their volcanoes. To name a few were Mount St. Helen, Dominica’s five volcanoes, Mount vesuvius, Mount Griggs in Hawaii and more. We had an underwater volcano and volcanoes that were surrounded by animals and people and the effect of getting burned by the lava.

They worked hard and got really messy, however; the best part was to see the smiles on their faces when they used mentos, vinegar, and baking soda to cause an eruption. Ooh! Boom! Wow! Echoed from each group. “Put more food coloring”, “You need to add more baking soda”, “Save the sheep”, “Save the cow”. “Oh no!” “Watch out”. These were some of the expressions that they shared. However, the greatest satisfaction of this all, was to see Science become alive which I believe is the true hallmark of any Science lesson.