Primary school students’ creativity erupts for volcano science project

St Mary’s Primary School erupted with excitement last term when students triggered colourful chemical reactions for an annual hands-on science project.

The school’s Year 6 cohort have studied the impact that sudden geological changes and extreme weather events have on the Earth’s surface as part of their Earth and space science curriculum.

For their last assessment, teams of two to three students made 26 replica volcanoes using materials such as papier mache, expander foam, styrofoam and air-drying clay.

The models were then “erupted” at the end of term two using varying quantities of vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, detergent and food dye to create a chemical reaction that formed coloured “lava”.

Science teacher Deanne Altus said students also had to research facts on their chosen volcano and create a PowerPoint presentation.

She said students learnt about the geographical impacts of volcanoes as well as the chemical reaction involved with the hands-on project.

“If the kids can experience (science), then they’re more likely to remember it,” Ms Altus said.

“Some children work better by getting involved with a hands-on (project) rather than just reading about it.

“It’s something that they look forward to ... they think it is a rite of passage when they get to Year 6.”

Students Harry Bartle and Finn Bryce-Greber built a replica of Mt Tambora, an active stratovolcano on the island of Sumbawa in Indonesia.

“I really liked painting and decorating it,” Harry said.

“We put snakes and lizards and plants on it ... that would have been there when it (erupted).”