Vernier Science Education - October 2024
 

Forums

Forums / Earth and Space Science / Volcanoes lessons

Earth and Space Science

Volcanoes lessons

Author Post
Kate Baird Kate Baird 5100 Points

Help.  I'm looking for hands on volcano lessons that don'e include misconceptions.  The baking soda thing is driving me nuts.  Where should I look for the good stuff? Kate

Cris DeWolf Cris DeWolf 11965 Points

While one of the activities (Lava Layering) uses baking soda and vinegar, it does it only to produce lava flows that can be mapped by students to get a sense of how periodic eruptions over time build up a volcanic mountain. I have used this with my students (9th grade), and point out that no model is perfect - discussing model limitations and (attempting!) avoiding misconceptions. The other activities on this site are also good. Some I have used with campers (ages 7-15) at the camp I work for in the summer. http://www.spacegrant.hawaii.edu/class_acts/VolcanologyDoc.html

Pamela Dupre Pamela Dupre 92369 Points

Kate, DeWolf also gave you a great resources. You can always go to the NGSS hub and search for resources. http://ngss.nsta.org/classroom-resources-results.aspx?CoreIdea=10

Toneka Bussey Toneka Bussey 1928 Points

GM,

 

Try STEMScopes for lesson ideas and Science A to Z.

Micah Rogers Micah Rogers 2303 Points

I'll agree with you the baking soda thing is getting old. I think it works well with younger kids but not the older kids. There are websites where you can do virtual tours with the volcanoes. There also different chemicals you can use to make a different kind of eruption. I use pinterest a lot when I try to get eideas, or I use teachers pay teachers.

Mary Bigelow Mary Bigelow 10275 Points

Hi Kate -- I'm with you on the baking soda thing! Thinking that a chemical reaction would be a good way to 'demonstrate' or model a volcanic eruption is a misconception in itself!

Here are some suggestions for resources:


I'm adding more as I find interesting ones!

Mary B

Pamela Dupre Pamela Dupre 92369 Points

Great resources! Thank you for sharing!

Mary Bigelow Mary Bigelow 10275 Points

I'm sure students will be intrigued by the current events in Hawai'i. This may be a good time to review the types of volcanoes and their characteristics, using some of the fantastic photographs we're getting from the Big Island.

This report is from the New York Times. ‘Shell-Shocked’ in Hawaii: How Lava Overran a Neighborhood It has some good photographs, maps, and diagrams.

Mary B

Cris DeWolf Cris DeWolf 11965 Points

IRIS maitains a collection of 'teachable moment' presentations on its website. Here is one on the 6.9 earthquake that occurred during the recent eruption of Kilauea.  https://www.iris.edu/hq/retm/event/5521

Pamela Dupre Pamela Dupre 92369 Points

Now, that is very timely, Cris! 

Cris DeWolf Cris DeWolf 11965 Points

Anyone wanting to follow the eruptions on Hawaii, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) website is an excellent resource for accurate information that has not been distorted by media reports. https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/

National Geographic's website has an article explaining some of the misconceptions that have spread through the media about the eruptions of Kilauea. https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/05/kilauea-volcano-tsunami-explosive-hawaii-myths-explained-science/

 

 

Mary Bigelow Mary Bigelow 10275 Points

A recent article from the Smithsonian on volcanoes in Hawai'i

Post Reply

Forum content is subject to the same rules as NSTA List Serves. Rules and disclaimers