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Volcanoes

Main Topics | Standards | Science Probe | Lessons | Resources

Main Topics & Concepts
When and why volcanoes erupt.
Different types of eruptions and their relationship to volcano types.

Standards
SFUSD Performance Standard 17.4 - "...They should recognize that major earth processes such as...volcanic eruptions...are associated with plate boundaries...."

Science Probe Text
Science Probe I Chapter 11, Section 11.2 contains material about the different types of volcanoes that exist and the types of igneous rock they extrude, as well as brief discussions of global volcano distribution and of predicting volcanic eruptions.

Activity Access Description
There are no Science Probe activities for this section.

Activities & Lessons
Activity Access Description
Jello Mold Eruption

source

??? Student use Jello and red dye to demonstrate the movement of magma and the building of pressure that occurs in volcanoes.
Vesuvius: The Day It Rained Fire

NESEN

paper web This is a short reading with questions geared towards middle and high school students. It recounts the eruptions and the resulting destruction of Vesuvius since 79 A.D. (C.E.)
ERUPT

Rockware Earth Science Software

web This software is a free download from Rockware that works with Windows 3.x or higher. The program runs simulations of different types of eruptions, with color-coding to show the build-up and erosion of rock layers over time. It was designed as a teaching aid for more advanced students, but the basic animations can be useful at any level.

Resources
Resources Access Description
Eruption Effects

USGS

web Diagrams and images of eruptions and their effects, including gas release, lahars, landslides, and flows. There are also links to case-study eruptions that include pictures and descriptions of activity from volcanoes around the world.
Seismic - Eruptions Computer Program

Alan Jones

web Windows-based computer program by Alan Jones for learning about the hows and whys of earthquake occurrence. Also known as SeisVolE. Available free from his Web page or on CD for a small fee from the Smithsonian Institution.
Some teachers have reported problems installing the program with certain anti-virus detectors.
Larry Braile has developed a classroom activity to accompany the program. It is also available as a PDF file.
Global Volcanism Program

Smithsonian Institution

web Entry into the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program. Comprehensive source for volcanoes around the world, including information on current eruptions and links to other volcano-related resources.
Volcano World

North Dakota University System

web Volcano World is another comprehensive source of volcano information, targeted at students.
Volcanoes

USGS General Interest Publications

web An introduction to volcanoes; covers volcano types, structures, eruptions, submarine volcanoes, geothermal phenomena, plate-tectonics theory, monitoring and research, extraterrestrial volcanism, and human interaction with volcanoes.
Photoglossary of Volcanic Terms

USGS Volcano Hazards Program

web Definitions of volcano terminology, accompanied by illustrative photographs.