In this unit, students investigate rapid changes to Earth's surface. Students explore the rapid processes of volcanic eruptions and landslides! Students apply their knowledge and design solutions to mitigate the impacts of these processes on humans.
In this lesson, students explore the past and present pattern of where volcanoes exist on the earth. In the activity, Mapping Volcanoes, students plot volcano locations on a world map and look for patterns. Students analyze these maps to discover that volcanoes form a “Ring of Fire” around the Pacific Ocean.
We suggest students work in pairs. Each pair of students will work on one quarter of the Volcano Map. At the end of the activity, four pairs of students will bring their maps together to form one complete Volcano Map.
Homeschool students can work on their own, but will need to complete all four parts of the Volcano Map so that they can analyze the global volcano pattern.
You will need enough wall space to display the completed maps. There will be one map for every 8 students, so a class of 32 students will have 4 completed maps. Each complete map measures approximately 22” x 17”.
Prepare Volcano Discoveries Printouts
Cut each Volcano Discoveries printout in half to make two worksheets. Each student needs a half sheet for the activity.
Display Maps (Optional)
At the end of the activity, you may want to display the completed Volcano Maps. Depending on the wall surface, attach the maps using tape or push pins.
In this lesson, students will investigate how differences in lava types explain differences in the shape and eruption patterns among volcanoes. In the activity, Bubble Trouble, students compare two different types of "lava" -- thin and thick. They use this information to figure out why volcanoes have different shapes and how the type of lava explains why some volcanoes explode.
We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own.
Prepare the “Lava”
To prepare the “lava,” you will need water, flour, a 1-gallon Ziploc bag (or large mixing bowl), measuring cups, scissors, and (optional) red food coloring.
For thin lava, use plain water. You can optionally add a drop or two of red food coloring to make it look more like lava. A few cups of water will be enough for about 30 students (15 pairs).
To make thick lava, mix up the flour with water and (optional) red food coloring. Watch this video to see how we mix up a batch in a plastic Ziploc bag without making a mess. You can also mix your lava in a mixing bowl. This should make enough thick lava for about 30 students (15 pairs).
Fill Cups with “Lava”
Fill half of the cups about halfway with the “thin lava.” Fill the other half of the cups about halfway with the “thick lava.”
In this lesson, students will learn about the types, causes, and dangers of landslides. In the activity, Slide City, students are faced with the engineering problems of protecting a house from a landslide and preventing a landslide from happening. They use a brainstorming technique to design creative solutions.