Land of Lava

You’ve probably shaken up a bottle of soda before and opened it only to see it erupt just about everywhere! That’s because the gas bubbles inside caused a build-up in pressure, and when you twisted off the cap, that pressure had a way to release. Well, a volcano erupts for the same basic reason, but what causes the “shake-up” is much more complex. This video will explain the different types of volcanoes and what causes them to explode.

“It’s like listening to the heartbeat of the planet,” says Sam Cossman, an extreme explorer and filmmaker. Join him and his team as they go inside an actual active volcano. How close are they willing to go to help us understand the beauty of these unpredictable environments?

One of the world’s greatest and most active volcanoes on Earth is in America, right underneath Yellowstone National Park. And according to scientists, it’s a ticking time bomb! Watch this video to explore how it formed and what it tells us about the past and how our planet was made.

You know by now that volcanoes can form underwater, but seeing one in person is incredibly rare. Watch and learn how these “submarine” volcanoes underwater help shape the world above water.

So far, we’ve explored the science of volcanoes and even what they look like up close, but have you ever wondered what life must be like for the millions of people around the globe who live walking distance to them? Watch this short film about the unique relationship that Indonesians have with Mount Agung.

Thousands of years ago, Pompeii was a bustling city in the Mediterranean—until the nearby volcano Vesuvius erupted and buried it in ash. Learn more about this now-famous place, its people, and the volcano in this article from National Geographic Kids.

Now’s your turn to make your very own volcano! Using today’s visuals, get as creative (but safely) as you like to bring this eruptive force to life in your very own home. You'll need some basic materials including a cardboard box, an empty water bottle, and newspaper for paper mache. Follow along with the video to learn how, or use these written directions.

One the most fun games to play with your family is “The Floor is Lava”! Decide who the lava monster will be, and when they yell “The Floor is Lava”, everyone has 3 seconds to get off of the ground/floor (the lava) and on to somewhere safe. Watch this family as they play!

If it’s just you playing and you’re ready for the advanced level, check out Thomas Anderson’s agility as he avoids the lava and makes it all the way outside without touching the floor!