In this volcanoes lab, students will learn about and model three types of volcanoes using a cookie, chocolate chip, and a chocolate kiss. They will link the data collected from the models to complete CER activities and draw volcanoes to scale. A Volcanoes Reference Sheet (anchor chart), detailed lesson plan, editable lab handout, Google Slides version, and answer key with rubric are all included!
Low prep and easy to follow – this lab is sure to be a hit in your classroom!
Students will learn, eat, and use academic writing to apply knowledge about shield, composite (strato), and cinder cone volcanoes. This editable and edible CER 4-page volcanoes lab uses affordable and easily accessible supplies. Each group of 2-3 students will need 1 cookie, 1 chip, 1 kiss, and a metric ruler to measure dimensions in millimeters.
⭐ Volcanoes Lab Topics ⭐
- Types of Volcanoes
- Characteristics of Volcanoes
- Cinder Cone Volcanoes
- Shield Volcanoes
- Composite Cone Volcanoes (Stratovolcanoes)
- CER in Science
⭐ Volcanoes Lab Overview ⭐
- Students will answer three pre-lab questions (using included reference sheet for support).
- Students will then measure the dimensions of each food using a metric ruler, and then claim what food represents each type of volcano. Students will back up their claims with reasons and evidence.
- Students will then draw volcanoes to scale.
- As a culminating activity, students will work on their own to complete a final short CER activity based on a question prompt of if volcanoes are helpful or harmful to society and the environment (editable and differentiated rubrics included). Sometimes I assign this last part, sometimes I do not if we are low on time, and sometimes I offer it as extra credit. This is editable as well!
⭐ Volcanoes Lab Includes ⭐
- Teacher Lesson Plan with standards, objectives, vocabulary, pacing, procedure, prep, and materials
- Types of Volcanoes Background Reading to use as a reference or introduction (PDF)
- Student Lab Handout with pre-lab and post-lab questions (PDF and Editable PowerPoint)
- Lab Answer Key (PDF)
- CER Writing Rubrics- 3 versions included for differentiation (PDF and Editable PowerPoint)
- Google Slides Versions of Background Information and Lab Handout
