Olympus Mons

We have learned so many interesting facts from our Space journey.  One of those facts is that the highest volcano in our solar system is on Mars and names Olympus Mons.  In the sandpit the other day we recreated Olympus Mons and made it erupt with a baking soda and vinegar!  It is always such a fun scientific experience when tamariki are able to witness the chemical reaction before baking soda and vinegar - it never gets old!

In an effort to extend on this experience as well as the ideas and theories that the tamariki have about Olympus Mons and volcanoes in general, we have started to build another volcano from balloons and paper mache.

First we needed to blow up the balloons, then arrange them into a mountain, before covering the balloons with paper and glue.  It was great to see our mountain taking shape.  Tamariki were able to share their suggestions for how we should construct our mountain, as well as active parts in its formation.  The next steps are to add a few more layers of paper mache, paint it and then watch it come to life!