Friday, October 12, 2012

how we made a 3D cross-section volcano

It's been a long time since I posted a school project. But since the top searches on my blog always lead to our rainforest diorama and atom model, I thought it might be time to post another one! I've been meaning to post this for years: Lizzy's 3D cross-section volcano.

Here's how we made it. We started with a large cardboard tube cut in half, and a flat square box about the size and shape of a large pizza box. I cut an arc in the middle of the box and inserted one end of the cardboard tube, spread a little at the base.
The main body of the volcano was built up using lots of foil
until it looked like this from the top
and this from the side.
The next bit was a little tricky and probably unecessary. We cut away the top of the box in front of the "volcano",
cut the cardboard at the front of the box, folded it back, added another piece of cardboard to join it all together, and fastened them with thick tape

so that the "underground" was included in the cross-section.
Then Lizzy covered our "volcano" with paper mache made out of newspaper and wallpaper paste
until the foil was completely covered;
and covered this with a layer of plain paper mache
until it had a smooth, plain surface.
Once the paper mache was dry, we blocked in the three main colours using poster paint,
then blended the different colours into each other to make it look more natural,
and painted some "lava" overflowing the top.
Here's how it looked from the back.
Lizzy used red cellophane to make the "lava" in the middle of the volcano,
then added cotton wool to make the "smoke".
To finish it off she added a few labels. There you go: a volcano!

21 comments:

Catherine said...

Wow that is, as my eight year old would say, 'totally epic'.

And you are a patient and sacrificial mum!

Anonymous said...

We used this for a high school project and got an A*! Thank you so much! Love and hugs from London, England xxxx

Anonymous said...

Question : in what did she put the cellophane ?

Jean said...

Just crumpled it up and stuck it into the central column of the volcano. Maybe glued?? Can't remember now, but you could.

Anonymous said...

Was it 40cm by 40cm when the volcano was done

Jean said...

Don't know, to be honest, though that sounds about right - or maybe 50 by 50? It could be made to any size. Probably 40 by 40 if the box at the bottom starts this size.

Anonymous said...

Do you have to cover it with paper-mache?

Jean said...

If you make it out of foil, I'd guess so, or it might be a bit tricky to paint.

Anonymous said...

Is there an easy way to make the paper-mache dry quicker

Jean said...

Use thin layers of paper mache; wipe off extra glue with your fingers. I guess you could use a hair dryer though I've never tried that.

Unknown said...

Its wonderful

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful volcano... Can I ask you if you glued a foil?

Anonymous said...

WOW! You have helped so much!

Anonymous said...

I have a question, but how did you put the foil?

Jean said...

I think we just scrunched and pressed it on - it's pretty easy to mould and shape - then put the paper mache over it.

Anonymous said...

I can't tell you how grateful I am for this pin!! This project was going to stress me out, but we were able to do it in just 2 1/2 days!!

Anonymous said...

love this it will help me on my science
project

Anonymous said...

lol love your website jsyk i am 11

Anonymous said...

Wow! this is totally amazing, thank you for the idea we have used it for my sons Geography homework

Anonymous said...

Hey Jean, love your blog! Me and my team couldn't find a good set of instructions on how to make the main vent: yours was perfect! Keep doing what you do... you're doing awesome! Love from Manchester, England xxx

Unknown said...

Wowwww!This would be helpful for my science project....Thanks Jean