Volcanic Panic

Students learn about the causes, composition and types of volcanoes. They begin with an overview of the Earth's interior and how volcanoes form. Once students know about how a volcano functions, they learn how engineers predict eruptions. In a class demonstration, students watch and measure a mock volcanic eruption and observe the phases of an eruption, seeing how a volcano gets its shape and provides us with clues to predict a blast. In this lesson, students learn about causes, composition, and types of volcanoes.

Weblink address (URL): 
Volcanic Panic

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

After this lesson, students should be able to:

  • Describe several parts of a volcano.
  • List the three main types of volcanoes.
  • Name at least one famous volcano.
  • Explain that engineers build devices used to predict volcanic eruptions.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 
  • Historically, volcanoes have had a big impact on nearby populations. Have students each research a specific volcano, finding out its location, the last time it erupted, what type it is, and whether or not it currently threatens any population centers. Have students make posters describing their volcanoes, including drawings, pictures and facts. Possible volcanoes might include: Kilauea, Cotopaxi, Stromboli, Popocatepetl, Montserrat or any listed in Table 1 in the Introduction / Motivation section.
  • What is the ring of fire? (Answer: A geological arc that encircles the Pacific Ocean and includes three-quarters of the world's volcanoes.) Ask students to research the locations of active volcanoes on Earth.

References

Contributors: 
Karla Fultz
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation