Why Do Some Volcanoes Explode?

This week in science we continued our study of volcanoes.  We learned about different kinds of volcanoes and how the thickness of the lava can explain the shape and eruption pattern of the volcanoes.  Using lava made out of water and flour, the kids tested how different lavas create different shapes and trap gases differently. We solved the mystery, "Why do some volcanoes explode?"

You can support this week's learning by watching this video of lava flowing in Hawaii. See if you can figure out the shape of the volcano that's producing the lava.  (hint: the lava is pretty thin, so it doesn't trap gases very well.)  Good Luck!