Students locate some of the 1,500 active volcanoes on a world map. Then by comparing their maps with a map of the world's tectonic plates, they discover that volcanoes occur because of the dynamic nature of the Earth's lithosphere.

Students discover the inevitable threat of volcanoes as they identify the ring of fire. In this natural disasters lesson, students examine the tectonic plate theory and discuss how magma works it's way to the surface of the Earth....

Sixth graders research various types of volcanoes. They explore the various emissions that come from them. Offer some explanation why some erupt by "quietly" puring lava, while others blast out chunks of rock and clouds of ash and gases.

Students watch and learn the different levels of "viscosity" in liquids to explain molten lava after viewing a video of a Hawaiian volcano.

Students study the recent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.  In this recent earthquakes lesson students complete an activity while working in groups.

Students simulate the three types of plate boundaries using robots. In this earth science instructional activity, students explain how earthquakes and volcanoes are formed. They collect real-world earthquake data and plot them on the map.

Students research the evolution of a volcanic island from origin to erosion. They determine the relative ages of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands given their position in the archipelago.

Students identify the volcano as the primary source of atmospheric gases, to explain the formation of ozone, and to recognize the dangers of volcanic gases through the use of technology in the classroom.

High schoolers participate in a whole class discussion to relate what they know about earthquakes to the processes of plate tectonics. They respond to prompts that lead them to conclusions about the layers of the earth.

Sediment samples from the ocean bottoms tell scientists about climate change, pollution, and changes in erosion for the area. Groups of learners focus on sediments and their movement through water. During a hands-on activity, they...

Students describe how plate tectonics contribute to the development of volcanoes. In this earth science lesson plan, students examine the map of Hawaii and explore the physical and biological environment there. They write a story about...

Students compare and contrast the volcanoes of Earth and Mars, and examine specific volcanoes on Mars. They model the processes that create cone and shield volcanoes, and measure the slope angles of cone and shield volcanoes.

Learners investigate volcanic processes at convergent and divergent tectonic plate boundaries. They read and analyze diagrams, complete a worksheet, and write an essay.

High schoolers identify geologic features that are associated with volcanoes.  For this volcanic exploration lesson students compare and contrast convergent and divergent volcanoes and are able to explain why some erupt more...

Does increasing the pressure between two moving plates provide a stabilizing force or create more destruction? The hands-on lesson encourages exploration of strike-split fault models. The sixth lesson in a 20-part series asks...

Students compare and contrast submarine volcanoes at convergent and divergent plate boundaries, infer kinds of living organisms that may be found around hydrothermal vents, and describe ways in which scientists may prepare to explore...

Students discover the major characteristics of volcanoes on the Pacific Ring of Fire. They describe the processes that produce the "Submarine Ring of Fire." students explain the factors that contribute to explosive volcanic eruptions.

Students analyze hydrothermal vents. In this hydrothermal vents lesson plan, students discover the effects of hydrothermal vents on tectonic plates. Students make model hydrothermal vents to understand how they form and operate.

Study and compare multiple aspects of both Aztec and Inca civilizations. Young historians explain how each of the empires came to be, and how they were both defeated by the Spanish. The resource starts out as a good instructional...

In this moving continents worksheet, students review the different types of plate boundaries, what causes earthquakes, and where volcanoes are formed. This worksheet has 10 fill in the blank and 9 short answer questions.

Young scholars label the fault lines and tectonic plate boundaries on the world map. In this earth science instructional activity, students simulate ocean floor formation using CEENboTs. They explain the causes of earthquakes.

In this earth science instructional activity, students cut out each die pattern and the signs for each station. Then they assemble the dice by folding along lines and taping the edges together. Students also follow the written...

Students will enjoy smashing the two tectonic sandwich plates together in faulting and compression fashions! They may even desire to capture their instructional destruction in a slideshow.

Learners role play plate tectonics by creating a "plate statue" made up of students. In this earth science instructional activity, learners describe how Earth's movement cause earthquakes and volcanoes. They draw and name the different...