Why do some volcanoes explode?

This week in science we continued our study of volcanoes.  We learned about different kinds of volcanoes and how the thickness of the lava can explain the shape and eruption pattern of the volcanoes.  Using lava made out of water and flour, we tested how different lavas create different shapes and trap gases differently.  We solved the mystery, “Why do some volcanoes explode?”

Watch this high definition video of lava flowing in Hawaii: Lava Flow Hawaii Kilauea. See if you can figure out the shape of the volcano that’s producing the lava. (hint: the lava is pretty thin so it doesn’t trap the gas very well.)  Good luck!