-
Step 1
Ask your students what they already know about volcanoes. Some might have learned about them in previous classes or on their own, and others might have even seen one in person. This is a good way to get them involved in the lesson from the beginning.
-
Step 2
Introduce your students to the idea of plate tectonics. You don't need to provide a lot of technical detail, but make sure they understand that the earth's crust is made up of smaller plates that move around on top of the mantle and jostle each other.
-
Step 3
Explain the difference between magma and lava.
-
Step 4
Use a diagram or image to illustrate how volcanoes are formed. There are three main processes they should know (plate subduction, oceanic rifts and hot spots), but you can give a clear explanation of each using a photo or model.
-
Step 5
Tell them about the five different kinds of volcanoes. Cinder cones, spatter cones, shields, strato volcanoes and compound volcanoes are the main classifications that geologists use. Again, show your students pictures of each type and help them understand how each name relates to its shape.
-
Step 6
Show your students a map of the Pacific Rim and ask them to point out regions they think would have high volcanic activity. This is a subtle way of seeing how well they understand the theory of plate tectonics. Then, point out areas that are really active like Hawaii, Chile, Japan and the Pacific Northwest.
-
Step 7
Talk about some of the ways geologists measure and predict volcanic activity. This is a good time to cover the different terms geologists use to describe the level of a volcano's activity.
-
Step 8
Consider having each student do a project or report on a world volcano of his choice. Then, have them share their findings with the rest of the class.
