Lava Origins: Exploring Volcanoes and Intrusive Activity
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Lava Origins: Exploring Volcanoes and Intrusive Activity

Grade 11Science6 days
★★★★★
5.0 (1 rating)
In 'Lava Origins: Exploring Volcanoes and Intrusive Activity,' 11th-grade students engage with earth science by investigating how volcanoes form, erupt, and influence Earth's systems, climate, and society. Through a blend of virtual reality experiences, simulation challenges, and data-rich portfolio activities, students develop models to predict volcanic impacts, analyze feedback loops, and explore thermal convection. The program, aligned with NGSS standards, emphasizes scientific inquiry and practical understanding of volcanic processes and their broader implications.
VolcanoesEruptionsEarth SystemsThermal ConvectionClimate ImpactFeedback LoopsNGSS Standards
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How does the study of volcanoes and their formations, eruptions, and related activities reveal insights about Earth's internal dynamics, and what are the broader implications for the planet's systems, climate, ecosystems, and human society?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • What processes lead to the formation of volcanoes and how do they relate to Earth's structure?
  • How do volcanic eruptions impact Earth's systems and human activities?
  • What is the connection between volcanoes and Earth's internal and external energy flow?
  • How can studying volcanoes help us understand Earth's past and predict future geological activity?
  • In what ways do volcanoes affect climate and ecosystems both locally and globally?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Explain the processes that lead to the formation of volcanoes and their eruption.
  • Analyze the impact of volcanic eruptions on Earth's systems and human activities.
  • Understand the relationship between volcanoes and Earth's internal and external energy flows.
  • Explore how the study of volcanoes can provide insights into Earth's past and future geological activities.
  • Evaluate the effects of volcanic activity on climate and ecosystems locally and globally.

NGSS

hs-ess1-6
Primary
Apply scientific reasoning and evidence from ancient Earth materials, meteorites, and other planetary surfaces to construct an account of Earth's formation and early history.Reason: Understanding Earth's formation and volcanic activity can be explored by examining historical volcanic formations and eruptions.
hs-ess2-1
Primary
Develop a model to illustrate how Earth's internal and surface processes operate at different spatial and temporal scales to form continental and ocean-floor features.Reason: Volcanoes are a key feature of Earth's surface processes, essential for illustrating these processes in models.
hs-ess2-2
Primary
Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth's surface can create feedbacks that cause changes to other Earth systems.Reason: Volcanic eruptions impact various Earth systems and demonstrate feedback loops across these systems.
hs-ess2-3
Secondary
Develop a model based on evidence of Earth's interior to describe the cycling of matter by thermal convection.Reason: Intrusive volcanic activity involves the cycling of matter, modeled through thermal convection processes.
hs-ess3-1
Secondary
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.Reason: Volcanic eruptions are natural hazards that affect climate and human activity, highlighting resource availability issues.
hs-ess1-5
Primary
Evaluate evidence of the past and current movements of continental and oceanic crust and the theory of plate tectonics to explain the ages of crustal rocks.Reason: Volcanoes are related to crustal movements and plate tectonics, important for understanding rock ages and formations.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Volcano VR Adventure

Students will start with a virtual reality field trip inside an active volcano, where they can observe the “birth” of lava and magma chambers in real-time. This immersive experience not only sparks curiosity but also sets the stage for deeper inquiry into geological processes and volcanic activity’s impact on the earth.

Eruption Simulation Challenge

Students are given a scenario to prevent a virtual city from a volcano eruption by simulating volcanic eruptions and predicting lava flows. They will be tasked with devising strategies based on real-world volcano data and eruption patterns, connecting the project to real-life scientific practices.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Lava Flow Forecast

In this data-driven activity, students analyze past and present volcanic eruptions to predict future lava flow paths. They will examine geological maps and eruption data to understand patterns and hazards associated with volcanoes.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Collect data on historical and recent volcanic eruptions and their consequences.
2. Study geological maps to interpret past lava flow paths and affected areas.
3. Use a map overlay tool to simulate potential future lava flows based on historical data.
4. Predict which areas would be impacted in the event of a new eruption.
5. Create a report detailing the forecast and its implications for human settlements.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive report and map overlay predicting potential future lava flow paths in a given area.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports hs-ess2-1 (Earth's processes and features) by using data analysis to model and predict geological phenomena.
Activity 2

Volcanic Systems and Feedback Loops

Students will explore how a single volcanic eruption can affect other Earth systems, creating feedback loops. By analyzing case studies, they will identify the changes to Earth's systems and understand the broader implications for climate and ecosystems.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Read case studies of significant volcanic eruptions and their effects.
2. Identify primary and secondary effects of eruptions, distinguishing between immediate impacts and feedback loops.
3. Construct a flowchart that maps out the relationships and feedback loops between volcanic activity and Earth systems.
4. Present findings in a group discussion, highlighting key feedback mechanisms.
5. Propose solutions or adaptations to mitigate negative feedback effects on human and natural systems.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed flowchart and class presentation outlining feedback loops caused by volcanic activity.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with hs-ess2-2 (feedbacks and Earth systems) by recognizing and mapping feedback loops arising from volcanic eruptions.
Activity 3

Convection Connection

This activity focuses on the cycling of matter through Earth's interior via thermal convection. Students will build a model to visualize how matter moves, demonstrating the underlying processes that fuel volcanic activity and influence volcanic formations.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the concept of thermal convection and its role in volcanic activity.
2. Collect materials such as a clear container, water, food coloring, and heat source for the convection model.
3. Construct a model to simulate thermal convection currents within Earth's mantle.
4. Observe how heat causes the colored water to circulate, mimicking magma movement.
5. Discuss the implications of thermal convection in relation to volcanic and geological activity.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA working model demonstrating thermal convection currents, accompanied by a reflective discussion on volcanic processes.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsRelates to hs-ess2-3 (cycling of matter through thermal convection) by visualizing convection currents that drive volcanic activity.
Activity 4

Volcanoes and Climate Connection

This investigatory simulation helps students understand the impact of volcanic eruptions on climate. By using climate models and historical data, students will analyze how eruptions alter atmospheric conditions and contribute to climate change.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Review historical data from major volcanic eruptions and their documented climate effects.
2. Input eruption data into a climate simulation software to model atmospheric changes.
3. Analyze simulation outcomes to determine short-term and long-term climate impacts.
4. Evaluate how these changes affect ecosystems and human societies, considering variables like location and magnitude of eruptions.
5. Summarize findings in a comprehensive report on volcano-induced climate change.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed report backed by simulations, explaining volcanic impacts on climate and their broader implications.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with hs-ess3-1 (natural hazards and climate change) by exploring volcanic impacts on atmospheric conditions and human activity.
Activity 5

The Magma Chamber Mystery

Students will explore the internal dynamics of a volcano by creating a simple model of a magma chamber. This activity helps students understand the formation of magma, its journey through Earth's crust, and how it leads to volcanic eruptions. Through this hands-on activity, students link theoretical concepts with physical representation.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the internal structure of a volcano, including the magma chamber, conduits, and vents.
2. Gather materials like clay, baking soda, and vinegar to create a volcano model.
3. Construct the volcano, focusing on the accurate representation of the magma chamber.
4. Simulate an eruption by adding vinegar to the baking soda in the magma chamber to observe how magma reaches the surface.
5. Document observations and relate them to real-world volcanic processes.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA clay model of a volcano with a functional magma chamber that demonstrates how volcanic eruptions occur.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with hs-ess1-6 (Earth's formation and volcanic activity) by modeling internal volcanic structures and processes.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Volcano Exploration and Impact Assessment

Category 1

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Assessment of students' ability to collect, analyze, and interpret volcanic data to make informed predictions and understand geological phenomena.
Criterion 1

Data Collection and Accuracy

Measures the precision and thoroughness of data gathered on historical and recent volcanic eruptions.

Exemplary
4 Points

Data collected is comprehensive, accurate, and consistently relevant to the inquiry questions, showing an exceptional grasp of historical and current volcanic data.

Proficient
3 Points

Data collected is accurate and relevant to the inquiry questions, demonstrating a good understanding of volcanic data.

Developing
2 Points

Data collected is somewhat accurate but lacks thoroughness and relevance to fully address the inquiry questions.

Beginning
1 Points

Data collected is inaccurate and lacks relevance, showing an initial understanding of volcanic data.

Criterion 2

Data Analysis and Conclusion

Evaluates the ability to analyze volcanic data and draw meaningful conclusions about eruptions and their impacts.

Exemplary
4 Points

Analysis is insightful, showing a deep understanding of volcanic processes and impacts; conclusions are evidence-based and nuanced.

Proficient
3 Points

Analysis is clear and shows a good understanding of volcanic impacts; conclusions are well-supported by data.

Developing
2 Points

Analysis shows a basic understanding; conclusions are drawn but lack strong support from the data.

Beginning
1 Points

Analysis is limited and conclusions are unsupported, showing minimal understanding.

Category 2

Model Development

Evaluation of students' ability to develop models that illustrate volcanic processes and their effects on Earth.
Criterion 1

Model Construction Quality

Assesses the quality and accuracy of physical or digital models constructed to represent volcanic processes.

Exemplary
4 Points

Model is highly accurate, detailed, and creatively demonstrates volcanic processes, showing advanced understanding.

Proficient
3 Points

Model is accurate and detailed, effectively demonstrating volcanic processes.

Developing
2 Points

Model demonstrates basic volcanic processes but lacks detail and accuracy.

Beginning
1 Points

Model is incomplete and lacks a clear representation of volcanic processes.

Criterion 2

Scientific Explanation

Evaluates the ability to explain scientific concepts through models, showing understanding of underlying volcanic processes.

Exemplary
4 Points

Explanations are thorough and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of volcanic processes and their broader implications.

Proficient
3 Points

Explanations are clear and show good understanding of volcanic processes.

Developing
2 Points

Explanations show basic understanding but lack depth.

Beginning
1 Points

Explanations are vague and show minimal understanding.

Category 3

Impact Analysis and Prediction

Assessment of students' ability to predict volcanic impacts on earth systems and articulate these effects.
Criterion 1

Impact Prediction

Measures the ability to predict potential volcanic impacts based on data analysis.

Exemplary
4 Points

Predictions are highly accurate and consider multiple variables, showing comprehensive understanding.

Proficient
3 Points

Predictions are accurate and consider key variables, showing good understanding.

Developing
2 Points

Predictions are basic and miss several variables, showing limited understanding.

Beginning
1 Points

Predictions are inaccurate, lacking consideration of relevant variables.

Criterion 2

Impact Explanation

Evaluates students' explanations of how volcanic activity affects Earth's systems, climate, and society.

Exemplary
4 Points

Explanations are detailed, showing an exceptional understanding of volcanic impact on multiple earth systems, climate, and human society.

Proficient
3 Points

Explanations are clear and demonstrate a good understanding of volcanic impacts.

Developing
2 Points

Explanations provide a basic view but lack depth and detail.

Beginning
1 Points

Explanations are superficial and show minimal understanding of impacts.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

Reflect on the virtual reality field trip inside an active volcano and explain how this experience enhanced your understanding of volcanic processes.

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Required
Question 2

On a scale from 1 to 5, how well do you feel you grasp the connection between volcanic activity and Earth's internal dynamics after participating in the activities?

Scale
Required
Question 3

Which activity or project in this unit was most effective in helping you understand the impacts of volcanic eruptions on climate and ecosystems?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Lava Flow Forecast
Volcanic Systems and Feedback Loops
Convection Connection
Volcanoes and Climate Connection
The Magma Chamber Mystery
Question 4

Reflect on your learning about feedback loops created by volcanic activity. How has your understanding of these processes changed?

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Optional
Question 5

Evaluate your confidence in predicting the societal implications of volcanic eruptions following this unit. Do you feel more prepared? Why or why not?

Text
Required