Geothermal activities
Use our geothermal activities to learn more about geothermal resources in the Waikato region:
On this page:
Make a volcano
Equipment needed:
- baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- vinegar
- hot water
- red food colouring (optional)
Groups of students or class demonstration.
Instructions:
- Make sure the sand is wet enough to hold its shape well when built up. Build a cone shaped volcano, with a crater at the top which will hold about 1 cup.
- Take about half a cup of the sand and mix it with the same amount of baking soda. Add red food colouring if you wish.
- Place some of the sand and soda mix into the crater.
- Mix about half a cup of hot water with the same amount of vinegar.
- Carefully pour the liquid into the crater, a little at a time. Observe the 'pyroclastic' flows of 'lava' down the sides of the volcano.
Taken from Earth Shattering Experiences - Earth Science Activities for New Zealand Schools. Sandra Copeland/Daphne Lee (1996), Geological Society of New Zealand
Other natural hazards activities
- Design a temporary hazard road sign or signs to warn of the dangers of volcanic ash fall.
- Design protective gear for someone who needs to travel close to the mountain summit (Mt. Ruapehu).
- Design protective headgear for yourself out of the things you would find around your home, to shield you against the effects of heavy ash fall.
- Use media reports to research the Alert Level for an eruption.
What is the usual status?
What was the highest Alert Level during the Ruapehu 95/96 eruption?
Why is it useful to have a measure like this?
Research other measures, such as wind and earthquake strength and fire danger.
Design a road sign that can be changed to show the current Alert Level of an eruption.
Taken from Tearaway Topics Magazine, Issue 12, November 1995 - Ruapehu ’95.