Science Fenns K-5Grades K to 5
A classroom table with a clay mountain model beside a tray of sand on a thin board that is being gently shaken.

Science / All lessons / Weather and a Changing Earth

Volcanoes and Earthquakes

Fast changes that rebuild the land.

Lesson 29 of 41

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Before we start

Today’s story

Volcanoes and Earthquakes

Most of Earth changes slowly. But a few changes can happen in minutes. A volcano erupts. The ground shakes. A road cracks.

A volcano is an opening where melted rock, ash and gas push up from deep inside Earth. The melted rock is called lava when it comes out. Over time, the lava cools into new rock and builds new land. An earthquake is shaking caused by big pieces of the ground moving and rubbing.

These fast changes can build mountains and islands. They can also harm towns. Let's model them with the steps.

See it

Five steps. Every time.

    Hands on

    Sand Quake and Clay Volcano

    30 minutes · Do this with a grown-up nearby

    You need

    • A baking tray
    • Damp sand
    • A thin board
    • Clay
    • A small paper cup
    • Toy blocks
    • Red paper for lava

    Do this

    1. Press clay around a paper cup to make a mountain.
    2. Tuck strips of red paper in the top as pretend lava.
    3. Spread damp sand in the tray and stack a few blocks.
    4. Rest the board on top and gently shake the tray.
    5. Watch what happens to the blocks.
    6. Draw before and after.
    Write or draw: Draw before and after pictures of each model.

    Watch for: Notice what the shaking does to the blocks. Notice how the volcano changes the mountain shape.

    Safety: No real fire and no mixing chemicals. Shake gently so nothing spills on feet.

    Same every time

    Three rules

    Rule 1Name the change.

    Say if it is slow or fast.

    Rule 2A model is not real.

    It shows an idea only.

    Rule 3Stay safe near big events.

    Follow adults in real emergencies.

    Grandpa Fenn’s notebook

    Say it like a scientist

    volcano
    An opening where hot melted rock and gas escape from Earth.
    lava
    Melted rock that has come out of a volcano.
    earthquake
    Shaking of the ground caused by moving rock.
    rapid change
    A change that happens fast.

    Poppy’s quiz

    Six questions

    Tap an answer. Green means right. You will see why.

    Talk about it

    Say it out loud

    • How do you know an earthquake changes the land? What could you look for after one?
    • Have you ever felt a small shake from a truck or a train? What did it feel like?
    Did you know

    Hawaii's islands were built by volcanoes, one eruption at a time.

    Someone who does this

    A geologist studies rocks and watches volcanoes and faults.

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