Making a model cinder cone
In this activity, students make a simple model of a cinder cone by pouring a granular material such as fine dry sand, pea-size gravel or rice bubbles into a conical pile and measuring its slope. This is then related to the shape and formation of cinder cone volcanoes.
Making a model cinder cone
Students make a simple model of a cinder cone by pouring a granular material such as fine dry sand, pea-sized gravel or rice bubbles into a conical pile and measuring its slope. This is then related to the shape and formation of cinder cone volcanoes.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
describe the shape of a pile of granular material poured from above
relate the shape of their model cinder cone to that of real cinder cones
explain the concept of ‘angle of repose’
describe the formation of cinder cones.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
instructions on what you need and what to do
ideas for extending your students.
