12
Lesson 12 of 84 · Earth's History
ExperimentVolcanoes: Mountains of Fire
What You'll Learn
Volcanoes form where magma from the mantle reaches Earth's surface. Shield volcanoes have gentle slopes with flowing lava, while composite volcanoes are steep with explosive eruptions.
Key Words
- sediment
- igneous
- metamorphic
Materials Needed
- cotton balls
- food coloring
- clear container
- rocks
- sand
Safety First
- Tie back long hair before starting the experiment.
- Protect your work surface with newspaper or plastic.
- Adult supervision recommended.
Steps
Step 1 — Read
Read and learn: Volcanoes form where magma from the mantle reaches Earth's surface. Shield volcanoes have gentle slopes with flowing lava, while composite volcanoes are steep with explosive eruptions.
Step 2 — Do
Conduct the experiment by following the instructions.
Step 3 — Observe
Draw a picture of what you observe.
Step 4 — Record
Answer the questions based on your data.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 3What is the difference between weather and climate?