1. Have students start the Venn Diagram.

Distribute a copy of the worksheet Venn Diagram to each student. Ask students to write the following labels:

  • Left circle: Composite volcanoes
  • Right circle: Shield volcanoes
  • Overlapping circles: Both

If students already know any information about the two types of volcanoes, enourage them to write it. Tell students they will have an opportunity to check their information when they watch a video.

 

2. Introduce and watch the video.

Explain to students that they will watch a short video about two types of volcanoes. Encourage them to pay attention to descriptive phrases about the volcanoes. Show students the National Geographic video “Volcanoes 101,” which profiles two of the most common volcano types—with Vesuvius and Kilauea as examples.

 

3. Have students complete the worksheet independently.

Ask students to complete the Venn diagram with the information they learned in the video. If needed, show the video a second time. Students should include information such as:

  • Composite volcanoes: steep slopes; thick, sticky lava; lava does not flow quickly or far; erupt violently
  • Shield volcanoes: gentle slopes; runny lava; lava flows quickly; lava may flow far; erupt less violently


4. Have a whole-class discussion about how volcanic eruptions differ. 
After watching the video, discuss basic differences between shield volcanoes and composite volcanoes. Ask:

  • What type of volcano is Mt. Vesuvius? What are the characteristics of that type? (composite, or stratovolcano; erupts violently)
  • What type of volcano is Kilauea? What are the characteristics of that type? (shield volcano; erupts less violently but still dangerous)
  • Who or what is in danger from volcanic eruptions? (people, property, and wildlife)

Have students add any new information to their worksheets.

Extending the Learning

Have students check on the real-time status of some of the volcanoes tracked by the USGS by going to the provided online Volcano Status Map.

Subjects & Disciplines

Learning Objectives

Students will:

  • define terms
  • explain how shield and composite volcanoes are similar and different

Teaching Approach

  • Learning-for-use

Teaching Methods

  • Discussions
  • Multimedia instruction

Skills Summary

This activity targets the following skills:

Connections to National Standards, Principles, and Practices

National Geography Standards

  • Standard 7:  The physical processes that shape the patterns of Earth's surface

National Science Education Standards

What You’ll Need

Materials You Provide

  • Paper
  • Pencils
  • Pens

Required Technology

  • Internet Access: Required
  • Tech Setup: 1 computer per classroom, Projector, Speakers
  • Plug-Ins: Flash

Physical Space

  • Classroom

Grouping

  • Large-group instruction

Background Information

Volcanoes are natural hazards in many parts of the world, and throughout human history. Different types of volcanoes erupt in different ways. Geologists usually group volcanoes into four main types: cinder cones, composite volcanoes, shield volcanoes, and lava domes. You can learn about some of the different types of volcanoes in order to understand the dangers of volcanoes.

Prior Knowledge

  • None

Recommended Prior Activities

Vocabulary

composite volcano
Noun

steep volcano made of hardened lava, rock, and ash. Also known as a stratovolcano.

lava
Noun

molten rock, or magma, that erupts from volcanoes or fissures in the Earth's surface.

Noun

molten, or partially melted, rock beneath the Earth's surface.

shield volcano
Noun

large, gently sloping volcano made from fluid lava.

stratovolcano
Noun

steep volcano made of hardened lava, rock, and ash. Also known as a composite volcano.

Websites