Student Project

Students will research active volcanoes and develop models to compare and contrast the shapes of volcanic cones. Students will develop strategies for safely evacuating a volcanic zone.

Objectives

After completing this project, students will be able to:

• work individually and cooperatively in small groups to solve a problem;
• evaluate their own group decision making processes;
• make predictions and identify ways that scientist predict eruptions;
• analyze, map, and graph data;
• plan and design appropriate steps in an emergency;
• defend reasons for choosing a particular plan of action;
• measure the slopes of different types of volcanoes; and
• apply data to create topographical maps.

Sample Activity - Locating Active Volcanoes

Problems to be Explored
Where do active volcanoes occur?
What process formed those volcanoes?

Behavioral Objectives
Students will be able to:

• draw a word map;
• analyze scientific data;
• determine location given longitude and latitude;
• compare and contrast the process forming volcanoes;
• analyze and synthesize data using various sources in order to make conclusions or inferences;
• create a table or a chart showing volcano data; and
• make graph showing frequency of volcanoes formed by a particular process.

Classroom Setup
Students are seated in groups of four. During this activity, students work individually, but are encouraged to seek help from their group members.

Targeted Skills
Problem solving, analyzing patterns, comparing, contrasting and critical thinking.

Materials

• Copies of a world map
• Copies of map showing plate boundaries and a map naming the plates
• Activity sheet discussing procedure
• Drawing paper, rulers, pencils, markers and/or colored pencils

Procedure

1. Students trace the world map on another piece of paper.
2. Using the given data, they locate each active volcanoes on the map by making a dot and numbering it appropriately. (latitude and longitude)
3. Compare completed map to maps showing major tectonic plate boundaries.
4. Determine which type of tectonic process is responsible for each located volcanoes. (Divergent, convergent boundaries, hot spots)
5. Make a chart or table listing volcano locations in the world and the process that formed each one.
6. Analyze data and describe the patterns of distribution of the active volcanoes.
7. Determine if there is a relationship between the location of active volcanoes and plate tectonics.

Evaluation/ assessment

The students will be evaluated on their ability to make connections and analyze data in this investigation. The accuracy of their charts and explanations of data and connections will identify their understanding of this concept.

Math, Science, Technology and Everyday Connections

Using math, science, technology, and everyday connections students will learn about active volcanoes in the world and their impacts to society. Some everyday connections include: 1. the ways that scientist detect volcanic eruptions using earthquake sensors and 2. the uses of geothermal energies, advantage and disadvantages. Math will be used to: measure latitude and longitude, plot data, graph, measure slopes/ angles, analyzing data, make charts/ tables. Technology will include: 1. using technology and history to predict volcanoes, 2. use of geothermal energy, specifically in Hawaii and 3. advances to better identify eruptions and plans of evacuation.

Instructional Design/ Methods and Strategies:

Students were asked to take part in a number of activities that would assure their success and both individual and group accountability, by the end of the unit. Initially, students undergo concept mapping to determine what students know, and what they want to know. Using persuasive writing, students will exhibit their understanding of key terms. Using math, students locate active volcanoes around the world. This data will later be analyzed to determine the causes of volcanoes. Students will create models to compare and contrast the shapes of volcanic cones, by measuring the slopes and the elevation of volcanic cones. Students will be given a scenario and a certain amount of resources to come up with a strategy of how to safely evacuate the site of a volcanic eruption. Lastly, students will use data collected to create a topographic map. Students will be expected to choose an area to which they can easily evacuate.

Science and MST Standards Addressed

This project addresses national science standards (1, 2, 5, 6, 7) and New York State MST standards (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).

Evaluation/ Assessment Plan: using portfolios

The individual evaluation:

1. Travel brochure
2. Map activity (locating, identifying and graphing volcanoes)
3. Practical:
   1. Identifying three types of volcanoes.
   2. Essay on the historical impact of volcanoes.
   3. Using world and topographical maps to identify location, type and cause.

Group assessments:

1. Student will generate a rubric.
2. Students will grade evacuation plans of other groups using the rubric.
3. Teacher will grade projects using the rubric.