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Why Do Volcanoes Erupt?

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Lesson Plan

Volcano Eruption Exploration

Students will understand why volcanoes erupt and how these eruptions affect the environment.

This lesson builds foundational earth science skills, increases curiosity about natural phenomena, and connects students to real-world environmental impacts.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 mins

Approach

Interactive discussion with visuals and guided questions.

Materials

Volcano Eruption Exploration

Prep

Review and Prepare

5 mins

  • Review the lesson details in Volcano Eruption Exploration.
  • Familiarize yourself with key terms (magma, tectonic plates, eruption, ash).
  • Prepare guiding questions to promote participation and deeper thinking.

Step 1

Introduction and Discussion

10 mins

  • Introduce volcanoes by asking what students already know about them.
  • Define key terms and introduce the concept of volcanic activity.
  • Explain the basic causes of volcanic eruptions.

Step 2

Guided Exploration

10 mins

  • Use visuals and data from Volcano Eruption Exploration to explore eruption processes.
  • Discuss the environmental impact of eruptions with examples.
  • Relate the concepts to the geological forces at work beneath the Earth's surface.

Step 3

Review and Q&A

10 mins

  • Recap the key points of the lesson.
  • Engage students with a Q&A session to clarify doubts.
  • Encourage students to share insights or ask further questions about volcanoes.
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Slide Deck

Introduction to Volcanoes

• What are volcanoes?
• Key terms: magma, tectonic plates, eruption, ash
• Why do volcanoes erupt?

Introduce the topic. Ask students about what they already know about volcanoes and list down keywords such as magma, tectonic plates, eruption, red hot lava etc. Use the bullet points to guide introductory discussion and clarify basic concepts.

How Do Volcanoes Erupt?

• Eruption process explained
• Visual walkthrough using provided data
• Environmental impacts & real-world examples

Discuss the guided exploration part. Use visuals (from Volcano Eruption Exploration material) to walk through how eruptions happen and discuss environmental impacts. Engage the students with probing questions about the process.

Review & Q&A

• Recap main points:

  • Causes of eruptions
  • Process of volcanic activity
  • Effects on the environment
    • Open floor for student questions

Conclude the session by reviewing key points and encouraging Q&A. Prompt students to ask questions and share their new insights on volcanic activities.

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Activity

Volcano Model Activity

This activity provides a hands-on opportunity for students to create a small volcano model, allowing them to visualize the eruption process and apply what they've learned during the lesson. Below are the guidelines, materials, and steps for the activity.

Materials Needed

  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Dish soap
  • Red food coloring (for lava effect)
  • A small container or a plastic bottle
  • Playdough or clay (to shape the volcano structure)
  • A tray or a large plate (to contain any spills)

Instructions

  1. Build the Volcano Base:

    • Use playdough or clay to form a volcano shape around the small container or plastic bottle. Leave the top open so you can add ingredients later.
    • Ensure the volcano is well-secured on the tray to avoid spills during the eruption.

  2. Prepare for Eruption:

    • Place about 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda inside the container at the volcano's summit.
    • Mix a few drops of dish soap and red food coloring into about 1/2 cup of vinegar in a separate cup.

  3. Trigger the Eruption:

    • Pour the vinegar mixture quickly into the container, and watch as the mixture reacts with the baking soda to create an 'eruption'.
    • Observe the flow of the 'lava' as it spills over the sides of your volcano model.

Discussion Points

  • What chemical reaction caused the 'eruption' in your volcano model?
  • How does changing the amount of baking soda or vinegar affect the intensity of the eruption?
  • Why might actual volcanoes erupt in a similar (or different) way?

Follow-Up Questions

  • How do the materials you used mimic the processes occurring in a real volcano?





  • If you were to design a more realistic volcano model, what additional features might you include (such as simulating ash clouds or seismic vibrations)?





Enjoy building your volcano and exploring the fascinating world of geological science!

Remember to clean up your work area after the activity, and feel free to share your observations and creative designs with the class.

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Why Do Volcanoes Erupt? • Lenny Learning