Online Lessons

What happened during the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens? Learn about the warning signs which preceded the eruption and the events that occurred on May 18, 1980 through movement.

Why do volcanoes exist in certain parts of the world and not others? Learn about the role of plate tectonics and build your own plate tectonic model!

YOU WILL NEED:

For this activity you will need two separate sets of supplies. You can follow along or do the experiment along with us for either or both examples.

SUPPLY SET 1

• Ice cubes: at least 2 ice cubes OR 2 large frozen bowls of ice
• At least 2 different colors of food coloring
• Salt
• 2 large bowls (to put ice inside)
• 2 small cups for mixing saltwater and pouring
• 2 spoons for mixing
• Paper towels

SUPPLY SET 2

• Cardboard
• Coloring supplies (markers are best)
• String (at least 4 feet long)
• Sponge (if you have one)
• Red tissue paper and/or cotton ball (if you have one)

After you gather your supplies, view or print this worksheet to help you build your subduction zone model.

How old is Mount St. Helens? How frequently has Mount St. Helens erupted in the past? Learn about important milestones in the eruptive history of Mount St. Helens through by recreating the timeline of eruptive activity.

What makes the landscape of Mount St. Helens unique for birds? Learn about the variety of birds that have made a home in the new landscape created by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.

Why do some volcanoes go "Kaboom" and others spew lava more slowly? Learn about how the chemistry of magma beneath the surface affects the style of eruption we experience on the surface by experimenting with peanut butter and honey.

What happens when volcanoes go "Kaboom" and eject ash into the atmosphere? Learn about where and how can ash fall and how can we learn to better prepare communities that live near volcanoes.

What was the significance of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens and how did it affect people before and after? Learn through a special guest presentation by Alysa Adams, interpretive ranger at Washington State Parks.

Career Interview with Alysa from Washington State Parks

How did animals living at Mount St. Helens experience the 1980 eruption? Learn about what animals survived and how others returned by playing our "Survival is a Game of Chance" activity.

Why does the glacier at Mount St. Helens continue to grow, even as most glaciers worldwide are shrinking? Join us as we demonstrate how to model the glacier at Mount St. Helens using ice cream, peanut butter, and cookies!

After a volcanic eruption occurs, how does life return? Learn about how plants are adapted to live in volcanic debris through the story of one special plant called the lupine that helps make "soil from scratch."

How did the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens impact the landscape? Join us on a virtual tour of the Hummock Trail in the heart of the blast area.

How can you - like a volcano- make an impact on the world? Reflect on your personal growth and goals and create a portrait of yourself as a volcano.

Gather some drawing supplies: paper and a pencil, pen, colored pencils, or crayons. You can also print out our Volcano Self-Portrait worksheet, but it is not required.

How have people who experience volcanic eruptions share their stories? Learn about the perspective of people who live on or near volcanoes through art.