Volcano Project 2017

In this project you will research a volcano and present your findings tothe class. You may choose to make a poster or build a model of the volcano. You may choose to work alone or with a partner.

Project Due Dates:

  • Monday January 9th– I have to know whether you are working alone or with a partner and the name of the volcano you have chosen to research. You will also make your official choice…poster or model. I will provide you with the appropriate rubric on Friday January 13th.
  • Friday January 27th– Section 1 and 2 is due! You will need to complete the section 1 and section 2 forms and turn them in. If you are ready to turn this in before this date, I will accept it early.
  • Friday February 3rd– Section 3 and 4 is due.
  • Friday February 17th– Final project due!

Presentation Dates: February 21st, 22nd, and 23rd

***On the day of your presentation you must turn in your rubric!!! If you do not have your rubric, and I have to provide another one for you it will result in a 5 point reduction.Suggestions: Make eye contact with your audience, speak in a clear voice, and demonstrate confidence and knowledge about your project. Write down the required info on index cards, so you are not tempted to read to the class and won’t forget any key info. Remember to include your sources. We will practice writing sources in class.

***The following may change depending on grouping and the length of each presentation. Everyone should be ready to present on February 21st.

  • Tuesday February 21st – Last names A – I
  • Wednesday February 22nd– Last names J – Q
  • Thursday February 23rd– Last names R – Z

Project/Presentation Rubric: rubrics will be given out on Friday January 13th. This rubric shows you everything that is required for the project and shows how many points each thing is worth. We will go over both rubrics in detail.

Information/ Research

You must use at least three sources including at least one book. You may complete your research at home. You will also have two full class periods to complete research in class.If you finish your classwork early and have extra time in class, then you may research your volcano. You may use the textbook or the internet. I will loan out textbooks as needed.

Sections: Everyone must answer the section questions and turn them in on the specified date. Please do NOT bring your poster on these days. I only need to know that you have completed your research. I will check your information for you and give you some feedback. I will return your research to you on the following school day.

Project Requirements: Listed below are 5 sections that need to be included on the poster or presentation.

  1. General Information
  • Name of volcano
  • Latitude and longitude
  • Height
  • Country volcano is located in
  • The city, village, or town the volcano is closest to, and if in the US what state it is in
  • Continent the volcano is located on
  • Printed map of location of volcano
  • Printed picture of the volcano
  1. Plate Tectonics
  • What plates are causing your volcano to form?
  • What type of plate boundary is creating your volcano?
  • Describe what is happening to the plates to form the volcano.
  1. Type of Volcano
  • What type of volcano is it?
  • Is your volcano quiet or explosive?
  • What does this tell you about the silica content of the lava?
  1. Effects of the volcano
  • What is its eruption history? (Make a timeline)
  • When did it last erupt?
  • What types of hazards are associated with the volcano?
  • Is the volcano currently said to be dormant, extinct, or active?
  1. Labeling the parts of a Volcano

You must make a drawing of the inside of your volcano using materials other than paper to represent the following things on your drawing: examples include sand as the outside of your volcano, red glitter glue as the magma or lava, etc…You must label the following:

  • Magma
  • Lava flow
  • Magma chamber
  • Pipe
  • Central vent
  • Side vent

Model Project: If you choose to build a model volcano you must present your research by using a poster or a PowerPoint/Prezi presentation. If you choose to make a PowerPoint you may bring it on a drive or email it to me at .

Poster Project: Your research sections 1-4 will be on a poster. You will need an additional poster for section 5. If you want to create a PowerPoint to guide you through the presentation you may, but it is not required for the poster project.

Volcanoes to choose from:

  • Hekla, Iceland
  • Mt. Etna, Italy
  • Mt. St. Helens, US
  • Mt. Rainer, US
  • Lascar, Chile
  • Mt. Fuji, Japan
  • Mt. Pinatubo, Philippines
  • Llaima, Chile
  • Taal Volcano, Philippines

Parícutin Volcano, Mexico

Krakatau, Indonesia

  • Mount Vesuvius, Italy
  • Kilauea, U.S.
  • Mauna Loa, U.S.

*Parents: All project information and dates are posted on the CMS website. Go to , and click on school staff. Scroll down and click on my name. Click on the projects link.