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ERUPTION:
A VOLCANO WEBQUEST

Introduction

The Task 

The Procedure

Evaluation

Conclusion

Introduction:  
The year is 2006 and Kilauea, a large Hawaiian volcano, is erupting.  To make matters worse,  Mt. Saint Helens, and Mt. Vesuvius are expected to erupt soon.  You will be working as teams of volcanologists assigned as aides to the president of the United States. Each group’s assignment is to give the president a report on what can be expected to happen and what steps can be taken to help people cope with the disaster.
The Task:  
Working with a partner,  you will explore three of Hawaii's most active volcanoes.  During your exploration, you will:
  • Record any current activity of the volcanoes
  • Record hazards of the volcanoes
  • Find out what kind of volcanic eruption are we dealing with in each case
  • If the volcano is not erupting, discover what signs the volcano is giving that it might erupt
  • Discover how fast the lava or ash is flowing
  • Figure out who is in danger
  • Develop a plan and recommendations to save the people and towns
  • Make a conclusion about how long the effects will last
  • Present your findings to the class
  • Write a news account including at least five scientific facts from what you have learned.
  • Present the news story live
The Procedure:
In order to accomplish this task, you will have to complete the following:

Step One:  First, visit Volcanoes to get some background information on volcanoes.  Once at the site, follow the directions on your "Volcanoes - Can We Predict Volcanic Eruptions?" sheet.

Step Two:  Go on an exploration of Kilauea.  Make sure you fill in the corresponding section in your Eruption Organizer as you discover what this volcano is like!

Step Three:  Now it is time to explore Mt. Saint Helens.  Make sure you take your Eruption Organizer with you, and record your findings.

Step Four:  Visit the last volcano on our trip, Mt. Vesuvius.  Again, don't forget to record your findings on your Eruption Organizer.

Step Five:  Be prepared to present your findings to the class.

Step Six: Write a news account detailing the sights and sounds of one of the volcano eruptions. Use the websites above to get more information on the volcano that you choose. Make sure that you prepare visuals to support your news stories and be prepared to report your stories “live” from the scene. You should include mock interviews with citizens and volcanologists on site. 
Evaluation:

Area

Question to ask yourself

Possible Points

Participation
  • Did you follow all directions given? (5 points)
  • Did you complete all activities on time? (5 points)
  • Did you work cooperatively? (5 points)

15

Notes/Research

  • Did you answer each question completely for each volcano? (31 points)

31

Presentation
  • Did you write a detailed news account about one of the eruptions using vivid language to explain the sights and sounds of the eruption? (25 points)
  •  Did you present your story as though you were "live" on the scene with mock interviews? (10 points)
  • Did you include visuals in your presentation? (9 points)
  • Did you include at least five scientific facts about the volcano that you have learned? (10 points)

54

Total Possible Points

100

 
Conclusion:
Congratulations!  Through this Web Quest, you have discovered more about volcanoes and how they work.  You are one step closer to becoming a "volcano expert!" 

Story plot adapted from http://school.discovery.com/
Graphics on this page are provided by Microsoft Clipart and  http://school.discovery.com/

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Maintained according to Mohonasen Central School District Web Publishing Regulations by Kimberly Brassard, Draper Middle School , 2070 Curry Road , Schenectady , NY 12303 , (518) 356-8350 ©2005 Mohonasen Central School District - All rights reserved.  Last modified on 10/10/2006