Science
Fair Experiments
Several science fair experiments are something that everyone can
do. Everybody has heard of the classic volcano model that is used
for science fair projects. If you are interested in doing something
like this, it's a good idea to expand on the basic model as that
has been done so many times before.
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There's many different factors that can
be studied with the volcano model. This article will look
at two different factors that can be studied while building
this exciting model.
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The first experiment will determine how and where lava flows when
it erupts from the volcano. The second experiment looks at the effects
of the liquid's temperature on the flow rate.
The experiment to determine how lava flows is a very interesting
experiment but a raised map will need to be purchased in order to
complete it. These maps usually cost about twenty dollars. This
project requires: a raised relief map, molasses, and a straw. A
raised map shows a how large a volcano is and the shape of it without
adding or detracting from it.
The rift zones of the volcanoes will be outlined with silver tape.
Molasses will be used as the lava. This is a good alternative as
it is stickier and will not move too quickly down the map before
it can be studied. Outlined below are the steps for this experiment.
1) Sit or stand next to the map when it is on a sturdy, flat surface.
2) With the straw in the molasses, place your thumb over the top
so the molasses will remain inside of it.
3) Bring the straw over to the map.
4) Remove your thumb so the molasses will drip out. Gravity will
push the molasses down just as it does lava.
This experiment can be done showing different factors such as:
where is the molasses on the rift zone? Is it high or low? The amount
of "lava" can change as well. You can use one straw that
is completely full of molasses and several that have different amounts
of molasses in them. The student can then try to hypothesis what
conditions are required to get the molasses to a certain spot on
the map.
The second volcano experiment that can be done involves the temperature
of the liquid in relation to how it flows. Molasses can again be
used as lava. The volcano can be built. It may be a good idea to
wrap the volcano in plastic wrap so it is not ruined by the molasses.
Over the plastic wrap, pour molasses that has been heated to different
temperatures. In the molasses, drop a steel ball and see how quickly
the ball moves in the different temperatures. A student can then
gather the data and make their conclusions.
Just because the volcano experiment has been done before does not
mean that variations of the experiment cannot still be used. It
just takes some fresh thinking and creating a way to make your science
fair experiments different from the basic volcano that has been
seen so often.
Note: See the Disclaimer
before starting this project.
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