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U2 M1: Volcano Hunters

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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

Is it a Volcano?

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L1. Driving Question: Is it a volcano?

Anchor Phenomenon: Volcanoes can be identified by their rock types.

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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

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Session 1

Volcano Hunters 50 mins

Engage
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Hands-On Investigation

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Assessment

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Locations Map handout
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Locations Images handout
Volcano Hunters Trailer video
Session 2

At the Fault Lines 50 mins

Explore
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Reading for Evidence

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Volcano Explorer interactive
Session 3

A Volcano Is Born 50 mins

Explore
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Digital Investigation

Birth of a Volcano video
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Volcano Types Visual
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Volcano Builder interactive
Session 4

Volcano Life Cycle 50 mins

Explore
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Hands-On Investigation

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Reading for Evidence

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Video Investigation

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Life and Times of Mount Mazama Article handout
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Deep in the Earth visual
Life of an Island Shield Volcano video
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Weathering and Erosion Activity handout
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Deposition Activity handout
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Deposition Article handout
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Beneath the Surface Article handout
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Volcano Life Cycle Visual
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Weathering and Erosion Article handout
Session 5

Rock Cycle Riders 50 mins

Explore
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Hands-On Investigation

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Diamond and Graphite Visual
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Rock Samples visual
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Rock Cycle Landscape visual
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Rock Cycle Station Labels handout
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Riding the Rock Cycle Dice template
Session 6

Model Landscapes 50 mins

Explain
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Hands-On Investigation

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Rock Cycle Journeys visual
Session 7

It Rocks! 50 mins

Elaborate
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Reading for Evidence

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Assessment

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Rock Cycle Landscape handout
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Different Types of Rocks: Model Rubric
Session 8

Volcanic or Not Volcanic? 50 mins

Evaluate
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Hands-On Investigation

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Assessment

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Mountain and Volcano visual
Volcano Team: Study Volcano video
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Rock Samples ID Chart
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Is It a Volcano? Answer Key

Middle School Sampler

G7

Grade 7

U2 M1

Volcano Hunters

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