Evacuating a Volcano: A Simulation

Did you know the largest volcano in our solar system is on Mars? Young scholars measure and experiment with how to predict lava and mud flows. This knowledge leads to better evacuation, safety, and preventative methods. 

Students imagine themselves staying for the weekend in a summer cabin near Mount St. Helens, and having to quickly evacuate the area. They decide on the location of their cabin in relation to the mountain, and plan an evacuation procedure.

Students construct a mockup of a volcano by crumbling up newspapers and piling them into the shape of a volcano. They place a tarp over the newspapers making sure the tarp is large enough to simulate a flat area at the volcano's base....

Pupils imagine themselves staying for the weekend in a summer cabin near Mount St. Helens (or other volcanic site,) and having to quickly evacuate the area.

Students participate in a demonstration that helps them visualize mudflows and how they move.  In this exploratory lesson students simulate a mudflow and create an avalanche.

Students role-play as villagers, the governor, volcanologists, or the press in a simulation about the possible threat of a nearby volcanic eruption.