Volcanic Landforms
Name:__________________________________
Directions: You and your lab mates conduct a controlled experiment to determine if different types of magma will
create different types of eruptions. Read the following investigative question and make a hypothesis based on your
prior knowledge on the layers of the Earth, Plate Tectonics, and personal experiences. Then follow the procedure to
carry out the investigation.
Investigative Question: How do different types of magma affect how a volcano will erupt?
Materials:
Vial of baking soda
60mL of less gassy magma
60mL of more gassy magma
Cup of water
Plastic volcano model
Clear plastic tube
Rubber stopper
White plastic scoop
30mL graduated cup
Paper towels
Procedure: Part A
1. Create your volcano model by:
a. Gently push the clear tube into the mouth of the white volcano cone.
b. Set the base of the clear tube into the hold of the square plastic tray.
2. Place 1 spoonful of baking soda into the bottom of the volcano tube.
3. Use the graduated cup to measure and pour 5mL of less gassy “magma” into the tube.
4. Without disturbing the model, observe the magma/eruption for 2 minutes.
5. Record your observations in the data table.
6. Rinse your volcano model and dry it.
7. Repeat steps 1-6. Be sure to switch roles among your group member for trial 2.
Part B:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Use the graduate cup to measure and pour 2.5mL of more gassy “magma” into the volcano tube.
Dip your finger into water and use it to moisten the bottom of the rubber stopper.
Dip the bottom of the rubber stopper into the baking soda so that a thin layer of baking soda sticks to it.
Gently cap the volcano tube with the stopper. Try not to spill any making soda and insert the stopper snuggly
into the tube.
Quickly turn the entire volcano model upside-down and then put it back on the table right-side up. QUICKLY!!
Without disturbing the model, observe it carefully for 2 minutes.
Record your observations in the data table.
Rinse your volcano model and dry it off.
Repeat steps 1-8. Be sure to change roles for trial 2.
Variables:
Manipulated/Independent:
Responding/Dependent:
Controlled:
Hypothesis: I predict
because
,
,
.
Data:
Magma Type
Trial 1
Trial 2
Less Gassy
More Gassy
Conclusion
Write a CER conclusion that answers the question: How do different types of magma affect how a volcano will
erupt?
Claim:
Evidence:
Reasoning: