Assessment
- Volcano rubric
- Volcano facts poster
- Volcano PowerPoint - which student's must import to teacher's dropbox on the schools server. Depending on your school's technology status, allow students to save PowerPoint however appropriate.
- volcano webquest rubric.xls
Duration
Total time needed 5 class periods (45 minutes).
- One class in computer lab for introduction and website research on their individual questions.
- Three classes in library/media center for group to convene, design and complete poster and PowerPoint.
- One class to present to rest of class, can be done in homeroom with computer and LCD projector.
Essential Question
What are some "cool" facts about volcanoes?
Instructional/Environment Modifications
With appropriate grouping, no modifications are needed. Students with a wide ranges of ability were able to successfully complete the task. Availability of computer lab and library is a must.
Procedure
- Students will be placed in groups of three.
- Each group member will chose a role: explorer, investigator, or detective.
- Using the given websites and library, each member will answer their three questions.
- The group will convene to determine which ten facts they will present on poster and in PowerPoint.
- Each group will design poster and PowerPoint to represent volcano facts.
The Process:
You will be in groups of three.
Each group member will be one of the following:
Explorer:
Volcano definition.
- What makes up a volcano? (include picture or drawing).
- How is a volcano created?
Investigator:
- What causes an eruption?
- What are eruption impacts and hazards?
- How can we predict when an eruption will occur, and what are the warning signs?
Detective:
- What is a hot spot?
- What else do you find around a volcano, other than a volcano?
- What are the different types of volcanoes?
You need to answer the questions, as well as list ten (10) facts you feel are most important about volcanoes.
You must have (at least), two (2) internet, two (2) hard copy (from library), and your textbook as resources.
After your research, your group will decide on the top ten (10) volcano facts you want to present on your poster.
Build your poster/display
Groups will build a PowerPoint presentation to represent your volcano facts.
Reflections and Feedback
This learning experience worked well as a culminating activity. As groups were discussing and deciding on which facts to include, many of the key terms and concepts just covered in the unit were being used.
I purposefully set up the activity so that each group member assumed a different role with different questions. This was an attempt to prevent students from covering the same material during their initial research.
Student Work
The task is for students to present volcano facts in a poster and PowerPoint presentation. View the links below for examples of low, middle, and high student work.
Description
This volcano activity will be used as a culminating activity to a three-week unit on Plate Tectonics & Volcanoes.
Website(s)
Volcano World
