Volcanoes

This scene takes the form of an erupting volcano. A volcano occurs when hot material from inside the Earth erupts to the surface. For billions of years, volcanoes have been shaping and changing our planet. On Earth there are over 1,500 active volcanoes on land and below the sea, with more than 50 eruptions in the average year. Students can explore this scene to learn that Volcanoes are a result of the tectonic activity taking place below the surface of Earth and that hot molten rock is known as magma, or lava once it reaches the Earth’s surface, and this magma can be found in pockets of the Earth’s crust.

Learning objectives

1: Describe a volcanic eruption: on the ground and under the surface{.info}

2: Describe a volcanic eruption: in the air{.info}

3: Explain the impact of a volcanic eruption on humans{.info}

# Volcanic eruption: On the Ground{.objective .objective1}

In this section the different types of volcanoes that exist will be described. Their eruption and lava flow on the ground can be observed due to the pressure build up below the crust forcing lava to spill over the top of a volcano. Students will be able to explore the volcano, identify the type of volcano in the scene and observe the lava flow at ground level. Here they will be able to describe the lave flow and how far it may travel.

# Volcanic Eruption: In the Air{.objective .objective2}

In this section a volcanic eruption will be described and how it leads to lava bursting out of the crust with an ash cloud, both erupting upwards with a lot of force. Students will observe the eruption and describe what it looks like, and identify the material that will be erupting. Students should consider the distance the ash cloud may travel and the impact this may have.

# Volcanic Eruption: Under the Surface{.objective .objective3}

In this section why eruptions occur will be explained. It is understood that gradual build-up of magma below the crust can cause a large amount of pressure to build up that eventually leads to an eruption. Due to the quantity of magma build-up generates enough force to send an ash cloud hundreds of metres up in the air. Students should observe the internal section of the volcano and describe that the build-up of magma causes a build-up of pressure that is responsible for the eruption.

# Impact on Humans{.objective .objective4}

In this section it is described that many communities build settlements on the foothills of volcanic mountains. The fertile soil is a great location to farm crops as a source of food. However, there is a large risk to their safety in the event of an eruption. It is understood that volcanic eruptions can be destructive and extensive damage to farm land, homes and the very roads that can be used to travel away from a danger zone can occur. The scene will also show how an ash cloud travelling in the atmosphere may cause the air quality to be affected. This can often lead to the welfare of citizens to be at risk. Students should explore the foothills and identify the immediate risks an eruption may create. They should also describe how their air quality may be impacted by an ash cloud and the risk this creates for human health.

# Teacher Resources

## Download Teacher Notes

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/735214/files/Volcanoes%20Teacher+Notes.pdf?date=1626103271&size=799314&md5=55add357beb134c6ae8c341fd3f4145b)

## Student Quiz Answers Document

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/735216/files/Volcanoes%20Teacher+Notes_02.pdf?date=1625845484&size=364883&md5=78c4c90f694716ce991b6a9125a1d460)

## Download Student Quiz Document

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/735215/files/Volcanoes%20Teacher+Notes_03.pdf?date=1625845448&size=71264&md5=6b93519987428baa6d6d7fc2b2183bb7)