We suggest students work in pairs. Each pair of students will work on one quarter of the Volcano Map. At the end of the activity, four pairs of students will bring their maps together to form one complete Volcano Map.

Homeschool students can work on their own, but will need to complete all four parts of the Volcano Map so that they can analyze the global volcano pattern.

You will need enough wall space to display the completed maps. There will be one map for every 8 students, so a class of 32 students will have 4 completed maps. Each complete map measures approximately 22” x 17”.

Prepare Volcano Discoveries Printouts

Cut each Volcano Discoveries printout in half to make two worksheets. Each student needs a half sheet for the activity.

Display Maps (Optional)

At the end of the activity, you may want to display the completed Volcano Maps. Depending on the wall surface, attach the maps using tape or push pins.

You will need access to water for this activity.

We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own.

Prepare the “Lava”

To prepare the “lava,” you will need water, flour, a 1-gallon Ziploc bag (or large mixing bowl), measuring cups, scissors, and (optional) red food coloring.

For thin lava, use plain water. You can optionally add a drop or two of red food coloring to make it look more like lava. A few cups of water will be enough for about 30 students (15 pairs).

To make thick lava, mix up the flour with water and (optional) red food coloring. Watch this video to see how we mix up a batch in a plastic Ziploc bag without making a mess. You can also mix your lava in a mixing bowl. This should make enough thick lava for about 30 students (15 pairs).

Fill Cups with “Lava”

Fill half of the cups about halfway with the “thin lava.” Fill the other half of the cups about halfway with the “thick lava.”

We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own.

Each pair of students will experiment with 5 sugar cubes. You may want to count out 5 sugar cubes and place each on a paper plate prior to class for easier distribution.

We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own.

Plan Your Time

If you have limited time, you can divide this lesson into two sessions. We have marked a natural stopping point after the construction of the model canyon.

Part 1: Develop the Colossal Canyon Model.

Part 2: Use the Colossal Canyon Model begins here .

Teacher Background

Colossal Canyon is a model, but if you and your students are curious, each layer roughly corresponds to a real geologic time period. If you want to learn more, be sure to check out our Extension with links to help you explore rocks and fossils throughout the National Park System in the United States.

• Layer 6: Tertiary Period 65-2 million years ago
• Layer 5: Cretaceous Period 145-65 million years ago
• Layer 4: Triassic & Jurassic Periods 250-145 million years ago
• Layer 3: Permian Period 300-250 million years ago
• Layer 2: Carboniferous Period 350-300 million years ago
• Layer 1: Devonian Period 400-350 million years ago

You will need a large wall or board space where you can put up student Post-it notes.

Watch a 1-minute Video

To prepare for this brainstorming activity, we suggest teachers watch this short video demonstration of brainstorming.