Overview of the Science Investigation: A Study of Volcanoes

Modified for Middle Level Learners

OBSERVE/
QUESTION / Students review key vocabulary such as : volcano, lava, erupt, magma, crater, ash cloud
Students can watch a video of a volcano erupt (see resources) and describe what they observe.
Students create a research question such as:
Does ______(heat, color, thickness of lava) affect the flow of the lava?
How long did the eruption last?
PLAN / Students identify the tools they will need in the investigation such as:
Videos
Thermometer
Ruler/tape measure
Timer/Stopwatch
Science Goggles
Lab coat
Students assist in creating the volcano model, using pictures identified in books and online.
Students create a data sheet that captures:
(1) Test 1: lava of 2 different temperatures
(2) Test 2: lava of 2 different colors
(3) Test 3: lava of 2 different thicknesses
CONDUCT / Students can conduct the investigation by
  • Measuring the time taken to pass from top to bottom
  • Taking observational data on the lava (color, temperature, thickness)
  • Students record their data

ANALYZE / Students review their data to answer their research question

Resources

Web resources

Provides a variety of resources including an up to date listing of active volcanos around the world.

Provides videos of volcanos, lessons, and other learning materials.

Other resources

Volcanoes by Seymour Simon
/
DVD $15
/ The Secrets of Vesuvius
By Sara C. Bisel

Making a Volcano by Alli Vice
Unique Learning Systems
/ The Kilauea Volcano
Unique Learning Systems
/ Volcanoes by Patricia Lauber
The House on the Volcano
By Virginia Nielsen
Story to extend science learning into reading area. / Science A-Z
Online resource (subscription cost)
/ US Geological Services Resources

Vocabulary Definitions

volcano / a mountain that produces magma, lava, and ash and is formed by cracks in the Earth's surface. A volcano can occur in any place where there is a deep crack.
magma /

melted rock under the surface of the Earth

lava / magma that reaches the Earth's surface
crater /

a bowl-shaped geological formation at the top of a volcano

ash clouds /

burnt material that shoots out of the top of a volcano and forms a cloud

erupt /

when lava and gas are discharged from a volcanic vent.

Science Investigation: Volcanoes

Observe/Question

Developing a research question

Write your observations of the volcano observed in the book/video:

Write 2 research questions below.

  1. ______
  1. ______

Science Investigation: VOLCANOES

PLANNING: Identifying the Evidence and Tools Needed to Answer the Research Question

Science Investigation: Volcanoes

Lab Report

CONDUCTING: Following Procedures

How Did You Do?
TEST #1 Procedures
Lava of Different Temperatures / Completed
 / /
1 /
2 /
3 /
4 /
5 /
6 /

Science Investigation: Volcanoes

Lab Report

CONDUCTING: Following Procedures

How Did You Do?
TEST #2Procedures
Lava of Different Color / Completed
 / /
1 /
2 /
3 /
4 /
5 /
6 /

Science Investigation: Volcanoes

Lab Report

CONDUCTING: Following Procedures

How Did You Do?
TEST #3Procedures
Lava of Different Thickness / Completed
 / /
1 /
2 /
3 /
4 /
5 /
6 /

Name ______

Science Data Log

Volcanoes

TEST 1 / Lava #1 / Lava #2
TEST 2 / Lava #1 / Lava #2
TEST 3 / Lava #1 / Lava #2

Science Investigation: Volcanoes

ANALYZING RESULTS

Answer Your Research Question:

(Use your data to explain.)

______

______