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
- Earth Science
- Geography
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:
-
Critical Thinking Skills
- Remembering
- Understanding
- Geographic 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
- (5-8) Standard D-1: Structure of the earth system
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
steep volcano made of hardened lava, rock, and ash. Also known as a stratovolcano.
molten rock, or magma, that erupts from volcanoes or fissures in the Earth's surface.
large, gently sloping volcano made from fluid lava.
steep volcano made of hardened lava, rock, and ash. Also known as a composite volcano.
Websites
-
Learn at Home: Grades 6-12
Fostering curiosity and a passion for lifelong learning, this curated collection of activities can be adapted for students in grades 6-12 in a remote learning environment. Explore the planet through interactives and short lessons or take a deeper dive into a subject area with a complete unit.
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Environmental Hazards
The environmental hazards you face depend on where you live. For example, if you live in northern California you are more likely to be impacted by a wildfire, landslide, or earthquake than if you live in Charleston, South Carolina, but less likely to be hit by a hurricane. This is because the physical conditions in each place are different. The active San Andreas fault runs through California and causes regular earthquakes, while the warm waters transported by the Gulf Stream can intensify a storm heading for South Carolina. These environmental hazards shape human activity regionally. Building codes in California require builders to meet standards set to minimize structural damage in an earthquake and coastal cities have building code to reinforce roofs and walls to resist a storm’s high winds. Learn more about environmental hazards with this curated resource collection.
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Volcano
According to the United States Geologic Survey, there are approximately 1,500 potentially active volcanoes worldwide. Most are located around the Pacific Ocean in what is commonly called the Ring of Fire. A volcano is defined as an opening in the Earth's crust through which lava, ash, and gases erupt. The term also includes the cone-shaped landform built by repeated eruptions over time. Teach your students about volcanoes with this collection of engaging material.
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Plate Tectonics and Volcanic Activity
A volcano is a feature in Earth's crust where molten rock is squeezed out onto the Earth's surface. Along with molten rock, volcanoes also release gases, ash, and solid rock.
-
Explorer Profile: Stephanie Grocke, Volcanologist
There are approximately 1,500 potentially active volcanoes on Earth, and yet, there is still no reliable way to predict when they will erupt. Dr. Stephanie Grocke is working to change that.
-
Learn at Home: Grades 6-12
Fostering curiosity and a passion for lifelong learning, this curated collection of activities can be adapted for students in grades 6-12 in a remote learning environment. Explore the planet through interactives and short lessons or take a deeper dive into a subject area with a complete unit.
-
Environmental Hazards
The environmental hazards you face depend on where you live. For example, if you live in northern California you are more likely to be impacted by a wildfire, landslide, or earthquake than if you live in Charleston, South Carolina, but less likely to be hit by a hurricane. This is because the physical conditions in each place are different. The active San Andreas fault runs through California and causes regular earthquakes, while the warm waters transported by the Gulf Stream can intensify a storm heading for South Carolina. These environmental hazards shape human activity regionally. Building codes in California require builders to meet standards set to minimize structural damage in an earthquake and coastal cities have building code to reinforce roofs and walls to resist a storm’s high winds. Learn more about environmental hazards with this curated resource collection.
-
Volcano
According to the United States Geologic Survey, there are approximately 1,500 potentially active volcanoes worldwide. Most are located around the Pacific Ocean in what is commonly called the Ring of Fire. A volcano is defined as an opening in the Earth's crust through which lava, ash, and gases erupt. The term also includes the cone-shaped landform built by repeated eruptions over time. Teach your students about volcanoes with this collection of engaging material.
-
-
Plate Tectonics and Volcanic Activity
A volcano is a feature in Earth's crust where molten rock is squeezed out onto the Earth's surface. Along with molten rock, volcanoes also release gases, ash, and solid rock.
-
Explorer Profile: Stephanie Grocke, Volcanologist
There are approximately 1,500 potentially active volcanoes on Earth, and yet, there is still no reliable way to predict when they will erupt. Dr. Stephanie Grocke is working to change that.