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Why is molton rock called magma in the volcano but when it comes out the volcano it is lava? (age 11)

This is a great question. There are two names because it is important for scientists to know whether the molten rock is below or above the surface of the Earth. A lake of magma under the surface of the Earth moves differently than lava and when it cools underground, it forms different kinds of solid rocks than lava that cools above ground. Even if the molten rock is the same, different kinds of rocks will form. It’s similar to a loaf of bread. The outside of the loaf looks smooth and dry (like lava rock) but the bread inside is moist and full of little air pockets (like magma rock) even though both parts of the bread are made from the same ingredients.
Thanks for your question!

Your friend,
Professor Science

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During the renovation, will you upgrade the restrooms or add a nursing area? I was very disappointed to visit there with my baby and there was no private area to nurse him other than the bathroom stall.

Margaret - September 18, 2009

During the renovation, we will be upgrading the restrooms. They will include changing areas and sinks appropriate for young children. We are looking at options to provide area for nursing mothers but are working within the constraints of the existing spaces.

Discovery Place - September 18, 2009

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