Design Brief: Volcanoes

Introduction

This Photo by
Volcanoes can cause mass destruction. Erupting without adequate warning while engulfing
cities with its lava. Being Western Australians, we are lucky to not have a volcano anywhere
near us to destroy our lives. As volcanoes are so dangerous, we cannot go see one in
person. This poses a problem for us; how are we going to see a live volcano in action? So,
my challenge for you is to create a representation of a real-life volcano that will erupt when
prompted.

Brief

In groups of 3-4 you are to research, design and then create a volcano that erupts. Your
design will be based on the research that you have done during class about volcanoes. In your
groups, you must draw and annotate at least two different designs of a volcano and its
landscape to show your teacher before you start the construction of the volcano. The final
design of the volcano must be a realistic replica of a volcano, not to scale. Along with the
final design of the volcano and its landscape, you must also present to your teacher the
method of how to get your volcano to erupt. This task is to be completed within three lessons.
The materials will be provided by your teacher, excluding the 1L bottle and a carboard box,
you also have the option to bring in any other materials from home and can use materials, if
needed, that are found outside the classroom.

Generating designs

You will need to gather information about what a volcano looks like e.g. the outside colour,
the colour of the lava, different types of volcanoes, where they are most commonly situated.
You will also need to research different methods of how to make your volcano erupt. With
the information collected, which is approved by your teacher, you will then begin the process
of creating your volcano. You will also have to come up with a name for your volcano.

Project specifications

- Must be a realistic representation of one of the three types of volcanoes

- Must design the landscape surrounding the volcano
 - Must have a cardboard box to put the volcano in and to catch the lava
- Must have the top of a plastic 1L bottle (or any other size which is close)

Project management

1. Research and gather information about what volcanoes look like, the different types
of volcanoes, where they are most commonly located
2. Research how to make a volcanic eruption
3. Draw and annotate at least two different designs of a volcano and its landscape to
show your teacher before you begin, include instructions of how you are going to plan
to make the volcano erupt
4. Bring the required materials to class that is needed for your design
5. In your group, evaluate your design. The pro and cons, and improvements needed,
etc.

Evaluation

Does the volcano reflect one of the three types?

- E.g. Composite Volcano, Cinder Cone Volcano or Shield Volcano

- What is the colour of the volcano?

What does the landscape look like?

- Next to the ocean?

- In the ocean?
- On land?
- Near buildings and where people live?

Can the volcano erupt?

- What ingredients will you need to make it erupt?

- What colour will the lava be?

Presentation

When all students have finished creating their volcano, they will be gathered in a circle
outside the classroom in their small groups surrounding their volcano. Students will then
complete a gallery walk looking at the different volcanoes made and then come back to their
groups. One person from each group will talk about their volcano, e.g. what type of volcano
it is and its surroundings. After the student has talked about their volcano, their group will
then combine the ingredients (e.g. bi-carb soda and vinegar) into their volcano to make it
erupt.

Time

The research component of this design brief will be completed during the term. Students will
complete this design brief at the end of this unit.

Have fun erupting!!

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