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Term 2 2009 Volcanoes and Crystals
By Annie | May 15, 2009
The children came back this term keen to make their volcanoes in the sand pit again. They had started this last term so the interest erupted and term 2 arrived with lots of questions about volcanoes. Coral brought in her vast knowledge about crystals and there was an explosion of interest in the link between volcanoes and crystals. The teachers had to quickly study up on this so we could support the childrens learning and extend on their research.
We found out that crystals form in volcanos once the lava sets and traps gases in the rock. The water then slowly leaks through and over time, crystalises, forming beautiful crystals. These are coloured by minerals left behind in the rock.
How exciting all this is! The children have been exploring their research by creating volcanoes at the making table. We were surprised to find the children were more interested in what was on the inside of the volcano than the outside. The other surprising thing was how indepth the children wanted to go. We quickly gathered enough resources and research material to support the childrens questions.
We made a crystal cave that we could get into and experience colour, textures and light. This provocation allows the children to explore alongside each other and in small groups.
As usual, the support from our families has been outstanding and we appeciate the support for the childrens learning. Aunties, Grandparents, family friends and parents have all sent interesting rocks, crystals and information to share with the group. Thanks so much!
We will keep you up dated as we delve into this interesting project…
Date: 2 June 2009
The teacher intentions have revolved around supporting the children by responding to their questions and assisting them to extend on their learning. We are encouraging them to explore, remember, and be enthusiastic about finding the answers together. We have also noticed how the children are making sense of their knowledge through their play by creating games around finding crystals, what one does in an earthquake, exploring through sand play the effects on villages when an eruption happens.
We feel safe in the knowledge that volcanologists are able to moniter the volcanoes in New Zealand especially White Island of which we know a lot about!
The children are familiar with Volcanic language and the meaning of words like gas plume, sulphur towers and boiling springs and this has been supported by matching games, memory games that the children can use together.
We had an interesting trip to Mt Eden. We enjoyed being up so high and seeing the other volcanoes around Auckland. The most exciting thing was the huge crater. The trip was a good way of helping the children understand the enormity of the volcanic activity that formed Auckland.
We also looked at the Maori legend of Mt Taranaki. The children found this a reasonable explanation for the mountain out on the coast, having moved away from his brothers in the central north island. It is great to weave Te Reo through the programme so the children can appreciate our bi-cultural heritage.