Cinder cones build from lava that is blown violently into the air and breaks into fragments. Cinder cones are the smallest volcanoes and are cone-shaped. Cinder cones are found in many areas of Utah including Millard, Iron, Garfield, Kane, and Washington Counties, and they vary in age. The youngest, only about 600 years old, are in the Black Rock Desert in Millard County. Students can make models of the three volcanoes with clay or play dough of several colors on cardboard or cardstock.
Students can investigate different types of eruptions.
Mix a small amount of Plaster of Paris with water in a zip-lock baggie. Seal the baggie, then cut a corner off of it to make a small hole. Add food coloring or dry paint to the baggie mixture and create another eruption. You may have to re-open the vent from your first eruption. Have the students share their results, and explain if their eruption was explosive or not.