What a blast!

Our unit of plate tectonics these past few weeks has been centered around volcanoes, specifically the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helen's in Washington.

After doing some topical research, students were exposed to an article and documentary that chronicled both observations and first hand accounts of the months and weeks leading up to that fateful day.

Once done, we then shifted to our study of topographic maps. 

Students were both exposed to their practical uses, as well as how to read them with respect to contour lines, index contour lines, contour intervals, steepness, identifying hills/mountains, valleys, ridges, liquid flows, etc.

Once finished, students were then able to map out multiple unique hike elevations using a topographic map. 

 Lastly, it was tied all together with our Mount St. Helen's lab, where students were able to create a 3D before and after model of the volcano pre- and post-eruption. 

We were able to see where it erupted, where the lava/melted ice and snow flowed, as well as the landforms its aftermath left behind.

Like they say...sometimes.....

The water's always changing, always flowing....

              Feast your eyes, as they did a fantastic job of bringing the volcano to life before their very eyes!

There were plenty of "ooohhhhs" and "aaahhhhs" all around as the 3D models began to take shape. The end result (besides the smiles of amazement) were eight amazing before and after models created by this great bunch of eager learners. Moving forward, I worry students may have to flip coins over as a means to decide who will assume ownership.

 You guys did a great job! It was a blast (pun intended)!

'Til next time....