Volatile Volcanoes

How It Works:  Volatile Volcanoes is a science/mathematics project specifically designed to teach about volcanoes. It is based on interactive units that build students’ research skills. The purpose of this project is to integrate science, mathematics, reading, writing, and technology using a collaborative model where groups of students are  able to work, research and create a presentation. Here, students have fun with graphics, graphs and money, simultaneously learning with up-to-the-minute information. 

A series of lessons guide the students in their search for information. Each activity has specific links that make it easy for beginners to navigate without difficulty, as well as allow high tech students to create a unique presentation using their wildest imagination. Once students reach a particular site, it is up to them to gather the information to be used in the presentation. The sites used are online interactive sites such as Volcano World and Create a Graph, where authentic data is gathered. 

A sample lesson consists of easy to read, comprehensive, and step by step directions. For example, students have to compare and contrast two volcano models. A link to Building Volcano Models takes the students to the site where they will choose which volcano models to compare. After all lessons are completed, students then organize their information to create their presentation.

Standards: 

Estimated Class Periods To Complete: 9

Software Materials Used:  Students need to have access to the Internet and a word processing program such as Microsoft Works, Word, or AppleWorks to copy and paste information, graphics, maps and graphs into their document. They also need graphics software such as PhotoShop, KidPix, or any paint program. They need a printer and a scanner or digital camera for embedding information. A digital video camera is a must for iMovies. A presentation program such as iMovie, PowerPoint, Inspiration, HyperStudio, or the like is needed to produce the final presentation. And finally, a projector to show the presentation to peers, staff, and parents.

Keywords:  volcanoes, graphics, graphs, science, natural disasters, Earth Science, lava, ash, gases, vent, magma chamber, eruptions, cone, shield, summit, crater 

Students:  This project is designed for fourth and fifth grade students because the standards are geared to those grade levels; however, younger or older students, as well as teachers, may use the activities to learn how to use the Internet for research.

Overall:  The most valuable feature of this project is that students will be engrossed in learning a variety of skills while having fun creating, collaborating, and producing authentic projects. When students are involved in hands-on self-motivated activities, self-esteem is raised, consequently increasing student achievement. When learning is meaningful it becomes long-lasting. Effective uses of new media include the integration of the latest technologies with the curriculum, replacing sometimes outdated and boring textbooks. Using online inquiry through weather web sites students can receive up to the minute information, making learning exciting and meaningful.

Tips:  When selecting the groups of students, make sure that each group is heterogeneously comprised of academically challenged and advanced students. Allow students to come up with their own ideas for the presentation. Acknowledge creativity and uniqueness. Invite parents, community members, and staff to see the presentations.

About the Teacher: Rosa Duarte is in her 26th year in Miami Dade County Public Schools. Holding a Master’s Degree in ESE, she specialized in autism. She was a Staffing Specialist in Region 4 and a District Support Teacher for the Autistic Program. 

She received her Educational Specialist in Computer Applications and in 1996, became the Technology Coordinator/Computer Teacher at Southside Elementary, where she teaches students in K-5. She is also the Citibank FamilyTech Coordinator and Parent Trainer. As Web master, she publishes student work online. She has been awarded a Success Grant, the Citibank FamilyTech Grant from The Ed Fund, AT&T Grants and IMPACT II Disseminator Grants.

Subjects:  Science and Math

Grade Levels:  4 through  5

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