With The Volcano Experiment

Erupting into STEM

What is STEM? Science Technology Engineering Mathematics

The Standard Science Fair I spent a great deal of time building a volcano.

I know that baking soda and vinegar will bubble over. I put baking soda, red food coloring, and vinegar in my

volcano because it will look cool.

STEM Inquiry

Inquiry: seeking or requesting the truth, information, or knowledge

Inquiry Investigation: Scientific Method with Control Group

What causes a volcano to erupt?

Steps Background Research Hypothesis: A volcano erupts due to gas build up. Experiment: 2 cans of soda. One shaken for 30 seconds. Control group left alone. Analyze Results: Record Data from opening cans. Draw Conclusions Evaluate Hypothesis Repeat Experiment Twice: Record results each time

CSA Fodrea’s Science Fairs have typically followed the

Scientific Method.

Inquiry Investigation: Scientific Method Using Variables

What causes a volcano to erupt?

Steps Background Research Hypothesis: A volcano erupts due to gas build up. Experiment: 3 cans of soda. One shaken for 30 seconds. One diet shaken for 30 seconds. Control can left alone. Analyze Results: Record Data from opening cans. Draw Conclusions Evaluate Hypothesis Repeat Experiment Twice: Record results each time CSA Fodrea’s Science Fairs

have typically followed the Scientific Method.

Inquiry Investigation: Observational Study (Math)

How does the height of a volcano effect the distance of it’s ash cloud?

Develop a hypothesis -Example: The greater the altitude of a volcano the further it’s ash cloud reaches in distance Retrieve data -Volcanologist at different eruption sites over time - Compare height and distance of it’s ash cloud Record all data in observation journal Reach conclusion Adjust Hypothesis Repeat Reach Conclusion Adjust or maintain with different data points

Inquiry Investigation: Engineering/Technology Design

How can volcanologist retrieve data from inside an active volcano without bodily harm? Design a product that helps scientist complete this task. Develop a design and diagram Create a prototype Test Communicate Results Redesign Repeat Redesign Repeat

Failure IS an option!

Legend has it that Thomas Edison invented 999 ways for a light bulb NOT to work commercially.

The beauty of inquiry is that students learn from their failures and are able to re-evaluate their projects. This leads to continued curiosity and experimentation.

Rubric

Board Set-Up

Planning Sheet/STEM Explanation

Planning Sheet/STEM Explanation

Helpful Resources

• Steve Spangler

• NASA Website

• Science Buddies

• 5th Grade Website “Inquiry Expo”