By Mike Hutchens, Henry County Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–“Oohs” and “aahs” were plentiful and common reactions to a recent Union City Elementary School science experiment.
Students in Carrie Willis’ first-grade class made their own volcano replicas as part of a domain study of earth history.
Their reactions to the scripted lesson were both genuine and priceless as the project “eruptions” came to life.
“They were so excited… they screamed, and they whooped and hollered as they watched their volcanos erupt,” Willis laughed.
“I’ve found that my class likes anything hands-on. Anything they can see and touch really captures their attention and sparks the learning process.”
Students mixed food coloring with vinegar and baking soda into cups to simulate volcanoes.
The history of the earth domain also included the study of three different types of rocks, minerals, fossils, and dinosaurs. Students additionally examined geysers and their origin and makeup as well as other geological facts.
“We were able to make learning fun,” Willis added. “We put students in several circles and each one of them got to make their own volcano.
“It was a really rewarding experience for everyone.”