Introduction: The hot, molten material that flows out of volcanoes is known as Lava. This lava, while sometimes destructive, can also be constructive-it forms new land! When lava erupts, it solidifies (forming what kind of rock?) on all different kinds of surfaces. Based on the surface type, the lava behaves differently. In this investigation we will be modeling how lava can form new landforms, both on land and under water.
Directions: Follow procedure steps 3-10 on pages 217-219, as you model how lava behaves on the earth’s surface. Complete this handout as you carry out the procedure steps.
Be extremely careful when handling the melted wax!
Procedure Questions:
Observe the Solid wax in your lab bin. Record some of your observations of the solid wax (think about color, shape, texture, etc).
Solid Wax / Observations:Read and complete steps 3 & 4.
Steps 5 & 6: Predict how melted wax will change when poured onto a flat surface as compared to a sloped surface. Then test are record your observations
Form of Wax / Predictions / ObservationsMelted Wax
(flat surface)
Step 6a
Melted Wax
(sloped surface)
(step 6b-c)
After completing step 6, discuss how your predictions compared to the actual results of the wax on different surfaces.
Steps 7 & 8: Predict how melted wax will change when it flows into cold water.
Form of Wax / Predictions / ObservationsMelted (flowing into cold water)
Step 7
Draw a labeled picture of what happened to the wax poured into the cold water. Describe how this was the same or different from what you predicted.
Reflecting on What You’ve Done: answer the questions, using complete sentences when appropriate.
1. Describe the movement of the melted wax on the slope. How did that movement differ from the movement on the flat part of the waxed paper?
2. Describe the texture of the cooled wax.
3. How did the behavior of the cooling wax on the waxed paper compare with its behavior in the water?
Apply what you observed in the activity to cooling lava on the earth by answering these questions:
4. How do you think lava forms rock? What factors might affect the appearance of the rock (once it is solidified?)
5. How do you think volcanic mountains (such as Mt. St. Helens) and volcanic islands (such as Hawaii and Iceland) form? Is this process fast or slow? Explain your thinking.
6. Under what circumstances do you think lava flows into the ocean?
7. How might soilidified lava that flows into the ocean look different than when in flows onto the land? Why do you think this is? (What happens to lava when it flows into the ocean or erupts onto the ocean floor?)