Lesson Plan on Volcanoes

The purpose of this lesson plan is to explain the different types of volcanoes and explain the mechanism
that causes volcanoes to erupt. This lesson is tied into the previous lesson plan on tectonics plat,
converging and diverging; they also formed when there is a stretching or thinning of the earths Crust.
This is a multiday lesson plan. Due to the needed understanding of tectonic movement and how it
affects the boundaries plates found in the oceanic crust and asthenosphere, it is necessary to have a
firm understanding of these concepts. This lesson is not only a culmination of plate movement but
covers previous concept such as: magnetic reversal, mechanism of force for tectonic movement,
Pangaea and mountain building, and core density of the earth.
National Science Content Standards
UCP.1-5, A.1-2, D.1-3, F.4-6
WV Science CSOs
SC.O.PS.2.20- examine seismographic and geological evidence to determine structure, composition and
age of the earth.
SC.O.PS.2.23- research and organize evidence to support the theory and effects of plate tectonics
including:
density
force
mountain building
fossil
magnetic evidence

SC.O.ENV.1.2-formulate scientific explanations based on historical observations and experimental
evidence, accounting for variability in experimental results.

SC.O.ENV.1.3-conduct and/or design investigations that incorporate the skills and attitudes and/or values
of scientific inquiry (e.g., established research protocol, accurate record keeping, replication of results and
peer review, objectivity, openness, skepticism, fairness, or creativity and logic).

Procedure
Introduction/Lesson Set
We are using visual presentation to bring the students into the lesson. Using videos of major volcanic
eruptions throughout the world coupled with videos/ still images of damage done by these eruptions.
We are allowing the students to have a frame of reference for the experiment we are going to carry out
and guide them through. Another benefit of the visual presentation is the guide questions, a student-
centered teaching technique, which allows the student to correlate their previous knowledge with the
visual.

Body & Transition
Describe the major parts of the volcanoes
Compare and Contrast shields, cinder-cones, and composite volcanoes
Contrast the volcanism that occurs at plate boundaries
Explain the relationships between volcanism and hot spots.
Describe the process of eruption that occurs
Explain the different types of magmas
Assessments
Performance Assessments- Discovery Lab, Group Project
Knowledge Assessments- Section Quiz and Chapter Test
Experimentation
We will be forming small groups to build one of the four volcanoes types: shield, caldera, cinder-cone
and composite. We will be building these volcanoes out soda pop bottles and plaster of Paris. Then we
will be using baking soda and vinegar to create a reaction.
Needed Supplies