Lesson Plan Title : Research a Volcano

Age Range: Grade 9 through Grade 12 (High School)

Overview and Purpose: Volcanoes are fascinating, but deadly forces in nature. The effects of their eruptions can be felt for years in the surrounding communities. This project asks students to study the effect a volcano's eruption has on the cities and towns immediately surrounding it.

Objective: The student will be able to

*research the effects an erupting volcano has on the surrounding communities.

*create a Powerpoint presentation showing the effects.

Resources:

Internet access for students

Activities:

Assign students to work in groups of three. Have them pick a volcano that has been active in the past 50 years. Have them research the effects the eruptions had on the surrounding communities. Have them focus on the disruption to daily life, business, and agriculture. Did the people leave the area? Has the area been rebuilt?

Have them create a PowerPoint presentation about their research. Encourage them to include pictures, graphs, and satellite images (if available). Have each group present their research to the class.

Wrap Up:

A single volcano can affect people all over the world. Students can extend their research to include what effects were felt in other countries from the eruption.