Tiny Geyser Models

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In this activity (located on page 2), learners will construct tiny model geysers out of film canisters, warm water, and antacid seltzer tablets. Thinking about what happens inside the canister to make the geyser erupt leads to a discussion about pressure and the process that creates real geysers. Relates to the linked video, DragonflyTV GPS: Geysers.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • film canisters (with a tiny hole in the lid)
  • warm water
  • antacid seltzer tablets, cut into halves

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics
      • Geochemical Cycles
    • Earth Structure
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Thermodynamics and Entropy
    • Energy
      • Energy and Power
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
    • States of Matter
      • Changes of Phase
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Formulating Explanations

Informal Categories

  • Model Building
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • DragonflyTV

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Twin Cities Public Television, Inc., 2007

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, 610429