Volcanoes

Part 1: Gather background information- During the beginning of this unit, you will gather as much information as possible about:

•     How volcanoes form
•     Why volcanic eruptions create havoc
•     Lasting effects of volcanic eruptions

You will be provided with note-taking activity sheets to help you keep your information organized. Use the following links to assist you in your research: 

How volcanoes form: 

• Volcano Facts 
  
• BrainPop: Earth's Structure 
  
• BrainPop: Volcanoes 
  
• BrainPop: Plate Tectonics 
• The Lava Project 
  

Why volcanic eruptions create such havoc

• NatGeoKids: Volcanoes 
• Explosive Volcano Facts 
• Extreme Science: Volcanoes 
  

Lasting effects of volcanic eruptions

• Effects of Volcanic Eruptions 
• Possible Positive Effects of Volcanic Eruptions 
• Weather Wiz Kids 
  

Part 2: Discussions- After you have gathered information about volcanic eruptions, you must use this information to help your friend determine if it is safe for him or her to stay in Hawaii, or if he or she should evacuate to the mainland and pay you a visit until the volcano stops erupting. At this time, you will participate in group discussions, where you will address the following questions: 

•    What role do tectonic plates have on volcanic eruptions? 
•     Why can volcanic ash be dangerous for years after an eruption? 
•     What is a pyroclastic flow and how might this affect residents near the volcanic eruption? 

Part 3: Letter to your friend: Through independent online research, class readings, and group discussions, you have learned quite a bit about volcanoes! Now, it is time to compose a letter to your friend. Remember that your letter must follow the format indicated in the introduction (and below) and must include all of the necessary information. Use the discussions you participated in with your classmates to determine whether you should advise your friend that the volcanic eruption is safe to wait out on the island, or if your friend should evacuate and return to the mainland. 

Letter Format 

1st paragraph (Introduction): In this paragraph, you should express understanding of your friends request- In other words, restate your friends' request for information about volcanoes, how volcanoes form, why eruptions create such havoc, and what are some lasting effects of volcanic eruptions? 

2nd Paragraph (Body) : This paragraph should focus solely on how volcanoes form

3rd Paragraph (Body): This paragraph should focus solely on why volcanic eruptions create such havoc

4th Paragraph (Body): This paragraph should focus solely on the lasting effects of volcanic eruptions

5th Paragraph (Conclusion): This paragraph should provide your friend with some advice- Should your friend stay in Hawaii? Or should your friend evacuate? Use the information you have discovered about volcanoes to make an informed decision.