Volcanoes: Earth's Fiery Sculptors

Bob Ruuska

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Volcanoes: Earth's Fiery Sculptors

How do volcanoes change the earth?

This lesson introduces 2nd graders to the fascinating world of volcanoes and their impact on Earth's landscape. Through collaborative learning, students will explore how volcanic eruptions shape the earth's surface. This lesson is important as it helps students understand natural processes and encourages curiosity about earth science.

Audience

2nd Grade Earth Science

Time

30 mins

Approach

Collaborative Learning

Materials

Volcanoes Worksheet, Volcanoes Reading Handout, Pencils, and Whiteboard and markers

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what students know about volcanoes.
Show pictures of different volcanoes and ask students to describe what they see.
Explain that today they will learn how volcanoes change the earth.

Step 2

Reading Activity

10 mins

Distribute the 'Volcanoes Reading Handout' to each student.
Read the handout together as a class, pausing to discuss key points.
Encourage students to ask questions and share thoughts.

Step 3

Collaborative Worksheet

10 mins

Divide students into small groups and hand out the 'Volcanoes Worksheet'.
Instruct groups to work together to answer the questions on the worksheet.
Circulate the room to provide assistance and encourage discussion.

Step 4

Closure

5 mins

Gather students back together and ask each group to share one thing they learned.
Summarize the key points about how volcanoes change the earth.
Thank students for their participation and enthusiasm.

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Worksheet

Volcanoes Worksheet

This worksheet helps students explore how volcanoes change the earth through collaborative group work.

What is a volcano?

How do volcanoes change the earth's surface?

Name one famous volcano and describe it.

Reading

Volcanoes Reading Handout

This handout provides a simple explanation of volcanoes and their impact on the earth, designed for 2nd graders.

What is a Volcano?

A volcano is a mountain that opens downward to a pool of molten rock below the surface of the earth. When pressure builds up, eruptions occur. Gases and rock shoot up through the opening and spill over or fill the air with lava fragments.

How Do Volcanoes Change the Earth?

Volcanoes can change the earth in many ways. When they erupt, they can create new landforms, like islands and mountains. The lava that flows from a volcano can also change the landscape by covering it with new rock.