top of page
U2 M1: Volcano Hunters
-
In Volcano Hunters, students take on the role of volcanologists to identify volcanic sites around the globe, analyze real-life data from the Earth’s active volcanoes, and devise a plan to protect people from the dangers posed by eruptions. To achieve that goal and meet the module Performance Expectations, they build on knowledge, skills, and practices developed in Elementary and lay the foundations for those to come in High School.
Volcano Hunters Trailer video
>
-
L1. Driving Question: Is it a volcano?
Anchor Phenomenon: Volcanoes can be identified by their rock types.
​
In this lesson, students are introduced to the module and begin to explore what features distinguish volcanoes from mountains and other landforms. They use an interactive to identify patterns in volcano locations and begin to collect evidence to help them determine if a landform is a volcano or not. Then, students turn their attention to the rock cycle, exploring the relationship between the rock cycle and the volcanic life cycle by creating 2-D and 3-D models. Students observe the rock samples they were introduced to at the start of the lesson, writing scientific explanations about how rock types can help determine if a landscape is volcanic or not.
Performance Expectation:
-
MS-ESS2-1 Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives this process
-
MS-ESS3-2 Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects
Volcano Hunters 50 mins
Hands-On Investigation
Assessment
Locations Map handout
Locations Images handout
Volcano Hunters Trailer video
Volcano Life Cycle 50 mins
Hands-On Investigation
Reading for Evidence
Video Investigation
Life and Times of Mount Mazama Article handout
Deep in the Earth visual
Life of an Island Shield Volcano video
Weathering and Erosion Activity handout
Deposition Activity handout
Deposition Article handout
Beneath the Surface Article handout
Volcano Life Cycle Visual
Weathering and Erosion Article handout
Model Landscapes 50 mins
Hands-On Investigation
Rock Cycle Journeys visual
Volcanic or Not Volcanic? 50 mins
Hands-On Investigation
Assessment
Mountain and Volcano visual
Volcano Team: Study Volcano video
Rock Samples ID Chart
Is It a Volcano? Answer Key
Middle School Sampler
Grade 7
Volcano Hunters
bottom of page