Land and Water Formations Plus Volcano Experiment

Our study about "Land and Water Formations" is one of the most enjoyable lessons we had to date.  If you are looking for some activities about the lesson, this post might help you.  Home made clay recipe is also included in this post.

As shown above, I made a model of the land and water forms for illustration using clay.  With the use of toothpics and masking tape I made labels for identification.  Children may play with the clay model by placing the labels correctly.  This will help them remember the lesson and asses how much they have learned. 

I also planned that to do the erupting volcano experiment which I know my children will enjoy.  Below are the materials you need for the experiment.

Erupting Volcano Experiment

• pan / baking dish (this experiment is a bit messy without this)
• bottle ( I have used small feeding bottle)
• clay
• few drops of red food color
• 1/4 cup hot water 
• dishwashing liquid
• 1 table spoon of baking soda
• vinegar

Prepare your volcano before hand.  Cover your bottle with brown colored clay (preferrably), so it will look like a volcano.  Place the bottle in the middle of the pan.  You may cover the base of your pan with clay to make it look more beautiful.

Actual Experiment:

• pour hot water in the crater. (I have to add my food color in water as I have used gel color)
• few drops of red food color
• 3 drops of dishwashing liquid
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• slowly pour the vinegar
• wait for the reaction while pouring the vinegar
• when the reaction subsides you may add more vinegar the reaction will continue

I have prepared a huge batch of clay so my children can make their own diorama.  Children enjoys playing with clay this time it helps them learn how each land and water forms looks like.

It is cheap if you'll try to make your own clay which is so easy.

Home made clay recipe:

• 2 cups of flour
• 1/2 cup salt 
• 1/8 cup alum powder
• 3 table spoons of oil
• food color

Have the water boil dissolve salt and alum powder.  You may not add alum if it's not available.  Your clay will still work fine based on my experience.  Sometimes, it is hard to dissolve all the salt specially if you have used large salt granules.  Just use a strainer to remove them.  Add oil in the liquid mixture.  You may add the food color in your liquid mixture at this stage or dye your dough after it's up to you.  Create a well in the middle of your flour then pour the hot liquid solution.  Use a spoon to completely mix the flour remember the liquid is hot you may burn your hands.  Once completely mixed, you may allow it to sit for a while until it becomes warm that you can knead the dough for even coloring and better texture.  

Tip: Add more flour  in your dough if it's too soft or water if your dough becomes too hard then keep on kneading.

In this activity I have consumed almost 2kilograms of flour.  But we have still a lot of left overs. Preserve your clay by placing it in a container with a tight cap to prevent it from drying

My Landforms Powerpoint is available in this link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6d4LAdhZM0wZWJJMjlPZ0tIbUk/edit?usp=sharing

Hope this post helped you.  Enjoy!