Exploring the World of Volcanoes in Loch Rannoch

Throughout the term, the children of Loch Rannoch have been deeply engaged in an exciting inquiry into the fascinating world of volcanoes. This exploration was initially sparked by a few curious questions from our tamariki about Rangitoto Island. These questions naturally led to a broader wonder: “What is a volcano?”

This question ignited a flurry of creativity and investigation. The children eagerly began to express their developing ideas through a variety of artistic mediums, including paint, pastels, and clay. To better understand what truly captured the children’s interest, we invited them to share what it was about volcanoes that intrigued them the most. Their resounding response was: “Eruptions!” and so, our journey into volcanic eruptions began.

To nurture this curiosity, we looked first at the vast array of volcanoes surrounding us. The children were fascinated to learn about Auckland’s variety of active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes field through books, images, and digital media. The children were particularly interested in the differences between these types and how they can affect the land and people around them.

To extend their learning, we brought in the medium of visual arts as a way for the children to represent their interpretations of volcanic activity. They shared their perspectives on how eruptions might look and sound, and this collective enthusiasm led to the collaborative creation of our very own Loch Rannoch Volcano.

Using cardboard, newspaper, and paper-mâché, the children began the messy, sensory work of forming the base structure, watching their volcano slowly take shape. Once the form had dried, they carefully painted it with earthy tones – browns, blacks, and greys – to replicate the look of real volcanic rock.

The highlight of this project came when we brought our volcano to life with a hands-on science experiment. Using a simple combination of vinegar, baking soda, food colouring, and dish soap, we recreated a foaming volcanic eruption. The children watched in awe as their volcano bubbled and fizzed.

One question and a fizzing paper-mâché crater later, our Loch Rannoch children are budding volcanologists. Their ability to follow inquisition is proof that learning can erupt from anywhere when ideas, art, and a dash of kitchen-science are involved.