Tūī students have been busy studying the layers of the Earth and understanding the complex elements that make up our planet. So far in this inquiry unit, we have explored landforms, layers, and volcanoes. We are beginning to understand the impact tectonic plates have on our Earth, especially during volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

We have discovered that many volcanoes exist in New Zealand and now have a better understanding of what causes them to erupt.

We used different coloured playdough to create a model of the Earth's layers and cut it in half to see inside. We created a volcano in the sandpit and used baking soda and vinegar to replicate a volcanic eruption! Just this week, we made a lava lamp in a jar and observed how oil, water, and an antacid tablet create bubbles similar to hot magma.

Next week, we plan to look more closely at chemical reactions by combining citric acid and sodium bicarbonate in old film canisters to make mini rockets!