We’re living in an area characterised by more than 50 extinct volcanoes, many of which are easily recognisable. Rangitoto, the youngest and largest dormant volcano in Aotearoa, is ‘only’ 600 years old, and is located in our immediate area. Lava and magma are the same thing, with magma being called lava once it has erupted out of a volcano. These are just some of the facts that Year 3 students learned about, when they attended a session recently with visiting staff from the Auckland Museum.
Students explored a large map of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), which showed the volcanoes’ locations, including our local maunga (mountain), Ōhuiarangi (Pigeon Mountain). Enthusiastic discussions took place when an opportunity was presented to peel away layers of our planet on a magnetic board.
A simulated volcanic eruption, by mixing the correct quantities of vinegar, food colouring, washing up liquid and baking soda, was greatly enjoyed by all. The sessions concluded when a number of volcanic rocks were passed around, including pumice, obsidian, and lava bombs.
All this new explosive knowledge has provided our learners with wonderful oral and written language opportunities, where they can practise using newly discovered terminologies.
