Land and Water Formations Plus Volcano Experiment

Our study on "Land and Water Formations" is one of the most enjoyable lessons we've had to date.  If you are looking for activities related to the lesson, this post might help you. A homemade clay recipe is also included in this post.

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

I also planned to do the erupting volcano experiment, which I know my children will enjoy.  Below are the materials needed 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 beforehand.  Cover your bottle with brown-colored clay (preferably) so it resembles a volcano.  Place the bottle in the center of the pan.  You may also cover the base of your pan with clay to enhance its appearance.

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 dioramas.  Children enjoy playing with clay; this helps them learn about how different land and water forms look.

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

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

In this activity, I have consumed almost 2 kilograms of flour. However, we still have a lot of leftovers. Preserve your clay by placing it in a container with a tight lid to prevent it from drying.

The Landforms PowerPoint can be accessed through this link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6d4LAdhZM0wZWJJMjlPZ0tIbUk/edit?usp=sharing

Hope this post helped you.  Enjoy!