GENSCI 307

Geology Laboratory Activity 1

Volcanic Eruption Simulation

Group No. _______

Members: ___________________________ _____________________________

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Objectives:

 To make a diorama of volcano

 To perform volcanic eruption simulation
 To compare the simulation lab activity to the actual volcanic eruption

Materials:

 ¼ illustration board/plywood
 Plastic cellophane
 Plastic tape
 10 ml of dish soap (Joy)
 100 ml of cold water
 400 ml of white vinegar
 Food coloring
 Baking soda slurry (fill a cup about ½ with baking soda, then fill the rest of the way with water)
 Empty 1 L plastic bottle
 Plastic Cup
 Funnel
 Plastic Spoon
 Barbecue stick

Procedure:

A. Making a Diorama of Volcano

1. Prepare a ¼ size illustration board or plywood. Cover with a big plastic cellophane. This
will be the base.
2. Place an empty 1 L plastic bottle (with cover removed) at the top of the laid base.
3. Place amounts of clay surrounding the plastic until it creates a mound or a cone. Leave
the mouth of the bottle open.
4. You can place small plastic plants to represent vegetation.
B. Performing Volcanic Eruption Simulation
 1. Combine the vinegar, water, dish soap and 2 drops of food coloring into the bottle using
a funnel. Use a barbecue stick to stir the mixture.
2. In an empty disposable cup, make a slurry by mixing water and baking soda. Use a spoon
to mix the baking soda slurry until it is all a liquid.
3. Pour the baking soda slurry into the bottle quickly and step back!

Questions:

1. Based from your diorama, what parts of the volcano can you identify?
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2. How can you describe the eruption based from your simulation?
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3. What does the material coming out of coming out from the diorama represent?
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4. Why is it necessary to prepare separately the baking soda slurry?
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5. In what way/s does your simulation activity similar with the actual volcanic eruption?
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