Could a volcano pop up where you live?

“We did this lesson with our second graders, and they felt really empowered that they were able to do a fourth-grade lesson. They loved it and were able to come to great conclusions and have some meaningful discussions.”

· Lesley · Teacher

“Since we live in Southern California, my students were both excited and concerned about the possibility that a volcano could occur in our area. The collection and analysis of data was very meaningful and engaging.”

· Maria · Teacher

“Kids had a great time graphing the volcanoes! We talked about how this was similar to graphing coordinates in math. That connection was so awesome! They were able to identify the ring of fire and actually used the terminology "ring" during our discussion, before the video mentioned it! We had a blast! And even better, I got to sit back and do enjoy the lesson with the kids! The video considered every aspect of the lesson and it was so thorough! Thank you! ”

· Debontina · Teacher

“Having students interact by plotting active volcanos in our world was great. The videos were clear, informative, and engaging. Great exploration activity! ”

· · Teacher

“LOVED IT!!!!! It was fascinating and amazing. Kids were super engaged and excited about it. I LOVE how it was laid out. I thought it was amazing in every way and have been highly recommending Mystery Science to my colleagues. Thank you for the fantastic resource!!”

· Melissa · Teacher

“My students were instantly absorbed into the lesson. They showed enthusiasm throughout because their curiosity was piqued. They really wanted to know whether or not a volcano could pop up in their backyards. ”

· Sammuel · Teacher

“My kids loved it and I loved that it had a coordinate grid connection, opportunities to talk about earthquakes and continental drift, and an engaging lesson, videos, and activities. I modified it so that all of my 4th graders completed all of the plots. I also did one and posted my complete one as students finished theirs. Not everyone finished completely, but it was naturally differentiated and everyone got a lot out of the lesson without anyone waiting for others to finish!”

· Paul · Teacher

“My students LOVED the videos, working together as teams to create their maps, and seeing the world map come together in the end. We had been learning about mapping in Social Studies, which provided some helpful background skills.”

· Kathleen · Teacher

“The students loved the up-close images and video of lava. They also were interested to know that lava rocks have been found as far away as Virginia. We live in Louisiana, so that tells us that one day, a volcano MIGHT pop up near us. We loved learning about the "RING OF FIRE!" We liked watching the volcano erupt and learning about the lava being visible through a crack in the ground. -Mrs. Spivey's 4th grade class Bossier City, LA”

· Heather · Teacher

“Mapping the volcanoes! The kids LOVED following the grid and figuring out where to place the marker.”

· Caitlin · Teacher

“The students plotting points and mapping to discover the ring of fire for themselves.”

· Monica · Teacher

“A great lesson!! I love how clear the instructions are for the kids to follow!”

· Jennifer · Teacher

“The students were amazed to learn that they live IN the Ring of Fire, and that a volcano could definitely pop up near them. It was very engaging.It was excellent training in map skills and coordinate graphing.”

· Kathy · Teacher

“The liked making the big map at then end to see the "big picture"”

· Christy · Teacher

“We have been on a Volcano kick every since- watching docu-dramas about Pompeii, interviewing family that witness Mount St Helens and even watching a "true story that hasn't happened yet" regarding Yellowstone. I especially loved that they "figured out" the ring of fire before expliciting being told about it- and that it corresponds to the earthquake zones we are familiar with being from Southern CA. ”

· Sarah · Homeschooler

“We really enjoyed the videos and the mapping activity. My child and I were both amazed how the volcanoes on all four maps could all be connected.”

· Elizabeth · Homeschooler

“100% Student engagement!!! They lOVED it!”

· Lorraine · Teacher

“Plotting the coordinates to create the Ring of Fire. We had recently read a passage on maps that talked about this place. Many students were able to make the connection before the completion of the lesson. ”

· Stacey · Teacher

“The students loved the recording of the locations and identifying the patterns for the Ring of Fire.”

· Teresa · Teacher

“I loved that I was able to send students a link for them to access the lesson because I had a substitute for the first day of the lesson.”

· Jennifer · Teacher

“Loved it! Students were amazing to realize they COULD have a volcano pop up in their back yard.”

· Deborah · Teacher

“Really makes them think about how volcanoes form and incorporates Geography...excellent!”

· Megan · Teacher

“My class loved finding the volcanoes on the map. I'm planning to have them create a slide show with a report on a volcano of their choice.”

· Shauna · Teacher

“The students and I absolutely loved the lesson. The video captured all our attention. I'm recommending our school purchase a site license.”

· Christopher · Teacher

“The best part of this lesson was watching the student's faces when they learned that we live close enough to the "ring of fire" that we COULD have a volcano in our backyard. 8-)”

· Ruth · Teacher

“My students loved it and keep asking when we are doing our next Mystery Science lesson!”

· Annette · Teacher

“I loved that everything was ready for me, I just had to copy and go! :) I also liked that everything comes in chunks, that aren't too short or too long. The kids loved that they got to work cooperatively, and that they watched short video clips. ”

· Nichole · Teacher

“Student engagement and interest was high. At the end of the lesson I asked if they wanted to do Mystery Science again and the response was a resounding, "YAY!!"”

· Mary · Teacher

“The class is so engaged! I am excited about science and so are they. The prep on my end is very simple and I love everything about this.”

· Margaret · Teacher

“The step by step instructions are fantastic!! Mystery Science makes it so easy to include science into our busy schedules. A real time saver!!! The students love the videos too :)”

· · Teacher

“I LOVE that your video presentations include the logistics involved with partnering students up and other classroom management concerns. It's a very thoughtful touch!”

· Brooke · Teacher

“The simplicity of the supplies needed, did not take away from the engagement of the students. I loved this lesson, and so did my students!”

· Giovani · Teacher

“I loved that my students had a fun, engaging lesson. The content of the lesson developed well, encouraged inquiry, fostered great class discussions, and was easy to teach. ”

· Jami · Teacher

“The difference between what the kids thought about a volcano popping up in their yard at the beginning of the lesson, and at the end was phenomenal. Plus, they could explain their thinking! They also did well with the mapping activity. I love how the program lists the required materials and how many copies to make too!”

· · Teacher

“I liked that everything was included in the presentation, even the timer! The videos were interesting to the class and the directions were very clear. It is helpful that their are videos/visuals that go along with the directions. I'm so thankful for Mystery Science! ”

· Desirae · Teacher

“The students' were focused and interested in how volcanoes form in different areas of the world. It changed their schema, what they previously thought, with the facts and maps. ”

· Jennifer · Teacher

“I love this site! I am telling everyone I know about it.”

· Denise · Teacher

“I love how the lesson incorporated map skills with science skills. The kids really enjoyed finding the patterns of where volcanoes occur and being able to answer the question of "could a volcano pop up in your backyard?"”

· Stephanie · Teacher

“kids were very engaged and were shocked by a lot of the information - really interesting”

· Erin · Teacher

“It's not hard to realize that Mystery Science is amazing. The lesson was very easy to present, and the class was highly engaged. I am sold. Thank you.”

· Ed · Teacher

“I'm a teacher with my MED, and after 2 years of homeschooling my boys, I finally found a science curriculum that is 5 stars as rated by my boys and myself...who happens to be very very picky!”

· Amy · Homeschooler

“Just did this with 12 teachers! Excellent visuals, great story hook, can't wait for the Spanish edition! Mapping activity, spot on.”

· · Teacher

“The kids loved the videos and mapping activity. It was extremely nice to have someone explain the procedure and all I had to do was help them! So easy!!”

· Pam · Teacher

“We LOVED it!”

· Eileen · Teacher

“The children were engaged throughout and absolutely loved plotting the volcanoes on the grid map. They were so excited when they realized the path.”

· Laura · Teacher

“Loved the plotting practice”

· Nicole · Homeschooler

“We live in Auckland, New Zealand and are totally surrounded by volcanoes, so the discussion about whether a volcano could pop up in our backyard made them think!”

· Heather · Teacher

“The kids really enjoyed learning about it and were quite surprised that they lived in the "ring of fire" area! Hard to motivate them these last couple of days befor school is out!”

· Marcey · Teacher

“I love that it was a science lesson but it also had math. And I was able to add some language art standards with a primary source. ”

· Amber · Teacher

“It was short and informative and having the worksheets easily explained and available was awesome. ”

· Michelle · Homeschooler

“I actually had to take a 5th grade class for an hour on Friday afternoon. We had already finished their Web of life unit so we had a one off lesson about volcanoes. They were very interested and enjoyed the lesson. Thanks.”

· Joanne · Teacher

“Students loved the initial story about the surprise volcano. Also, they were confident and competent to map the volcanos out. ”

· Bethany · Teacher

“Kids listen better to directions better when someone besides their teacher gives them. They were very attentive, and interested in the lesson.”

· Anita · Teacher

“The step by step instructions insured students getting to work quickly!”

· Sarah · Teacher

“Awesome! Well put together! Thank you soooooo much!”

· Debbie · Teacher

“Students enjoyed plotting the volcanoes. Some wanted to do the all four maps!”

· Helen · Teacher

“Kids loved the videos (lots of "ooohs", "wows", questions, and comments), and this teacher appreciated the well-planned activity and resources. Thanks!”

·

“The students had a lot of aha! moments and were so excited to discover the path of volcanoes!”

· Yolanda · Teacher

“When the students put the maps together and discovered it was a ring! ”

· Beth · Teacher

“the kids discussion when maps were formed together!”

· Darlene · Teacher

“The videos kept the students engaged and were interesting. They also enjoyed the plotting process and seeing the final result of all the maps put together!”

· Brittney · Teacher

“We loved the first lesson and are starting our second today!”

· Sharon · Teacher

“Video instruction especially the 'spectacular footage' such as the car just avoiding being crushed by a boulder, and step by step experiments.”

· Sarah · Teacher

“This was so neat! The kids loved it. The organization of these lessons is amazing. Even the activity specifically told them when to switch roles. ”

· Lisa · Teacher

“Lesson went well, the kids had to look for patterns...thinking was involved, kids were engaged in the learning. I teach 3rd graders and this was a fourth grade unit, but the kids did great and they loved it.”

· Cheryl · Teacher

“I taught this lesson to two 3rd grade classes. We had already been studying rocks and the rock cycle, so they knew that one type of rock comes from volcanoes. This was a great extension on those lessons. They also did an amazing job mapping out the volcanoes.”

· Amy · Teacher

“The kids were enthralled! I have never seen them work so hard.”

· Neisha · Teacher

“The videos and the student tracking work was phenomenal! Love it!”

· Dawn · Teacher

“My 2nd grade students loved the real life videos, the lava experiment and graphing the volcanoes. I felt like my students learned more about volcanoes than I could have taught due to my Mystery Science lessons. They were super engaged! Thank you!”

· Jamie · Teacher

“We really enjoying the mapping activity for this lesson and forming the "Ring of Fire." It helped my children to see clearly that volcanoes form in groups near the coast. We enjoyed the story of the Paricutin Volcano as well as the optional extra videos on Paricutin and Southern California's Salton Sea. My children have a better understanding of why volcanoes form where they do. ”

· Karen · Homeschooler

“The kids really enjoyed doing the mapping. We team teach so we have a big class of 52, it was noisy but all were on task and had no problems figuring out how to do it as the videos are so clear!”

· Chera · Teacher

“The best part of the lesson was the real-life video of the farmer. The students generated so many questions from the lesson's videos.”

· Jennifer · Teacher

“Great visuals and excellent assessment questions!”

· Stacy · Teacher

“Everything is organized for you. The students love it.”

· Melinda · Teacher

“The activity was a "seats-up" engaging activity. The students were collaborating and discussing the data, engaging in discussions with evidence, and there was 100% involvement!”

· Caroline · Teacher

“We had lots of fun with this lesson. My son (9 yo) was really drawn into the video and loved mapping the volcanoes. This led him to draw a life cycle of volcanoes and to do further research on volcanoes in Canada (where we live). Great stuff. :D”

· Debbie · Homeschooler

“I used it with my second grade class to expand our unit on landforms and fast and slow land changes. Therefore, some of the questioning was challenging for them, but it was still very successful. A similar unit geared for second grade would be amazing, but unitl then, this was just what we needed ;]”

· Jodie · Teacher

“My class loved to learn about the Ring of Fire. We talked about it before this lesson but when they got to do the activity, they were really excited. They enjoyed the visuals and I loved the graphing part and how it connects science and math together.”

· Jennifer · Teacher

“The videos are engaging and the assessment sheets are well done and allow students to reflect.”

· Becky · Teacher

“The kids loved it! I loved that that prep was all done. It was so hands on. I am recommending Mystery Science to my school.”

· Rita · Teacher

“Step-by-step instructions along with the video to show students how to complete the activity. And students really loved the video and primary source photos of the volcano in Mexico!”

· Shara · Teacher

“I love the hands-on, minds-on approach of this lesson and how it is put into terms that students can understand.”

· Charlotte · Teacher

“Students love the connection of can a volcano pop up in your back yard! They loved seeing where the volcanoes were found. I was almost amazed how they automatically found the ring without any prompting. They loved it and felt like real scientists. ”

· Christa · Teacher

“Students were engaged in mapping the coordinates and were surprised by the patterns that emerged when all the data was analyzed.”

· Pamela · Teacher

“Loved putting the maps together and seeing the kids eyes light up seeing the pattern of where the volcanoes form.”

· Charity · Homeschooler

“The kids really GOT IT! It was the most hands on way I can imagine to really explore tectonic plates without actually visiting a volcano or subduction zone!”

· Jennie · Teacher

“Combination of world map and volcano science - very clever!”

· Sandy · Teacher

“This was such a great lesson, even for 2nd graders. The kids lit up when they recognized the pattern that the volcanoes made. Such engaging video and activities! I can't get enough! ”

· Schayna · Teacher

“I love the combination of video, experiment, and worksheet. I also love the amount of time the lesson takes: it's perfect!”

· Jamie · Homeschooler

“This activity went very well with my math lesson on ordered pairs. My class quickly saw the ring the volcanoes formed. We also talked about the volcanoes in the middle of the ocean, and how they are now Islands.”

· Keira · Teacher

“My students loved mapping the volcanoes. And the organization of the activity was already in place and so easy for me to implement!”

· Laura · Teacher

“Enjoyed being able to experience volcanoes through close up video or through experiences of others. Also appreciate the clear instructions for activities. ”

· Colene · Homeschooler

“Love how easy it is to present to my students. It is completely silent when the videos are on and then they can't wait to do the activities. ”

· Judith · Teacher

“The videos are SPOT ON and the kids LOVED mapping the volcanoes! ”

· Kara · Teacher

“We loved this!!! The directions were SO well organized. We did it with 2 teachers and 1st and 2nd graders and they could all succeed!!”

· Margaret · Teacher

“The students loved the videos and commentator as well the volcano mapping activity. I loved how well everything was explained to both me and the students on how to complete each activity.”

· Celeste · Teacher

“You have done a great job with the stories you provide which hooks the students. The videos are perfect in length and great visuals. It was fabulous to integrate math and science with the coordinate graphs. The students loved to write about whether they would or would not want to live in a specific place where a volcano could possibly "pop" up!”

· Jessica · Teacher

“My kiddos were SO excited to start this unit. It went above and beyond their expectations. ”

· Kayla · Teacher

“Incorporating math into science!”

· Antonia · Teacher

“It was WONDERFUL! The kids loved it and it was SO easy to implement. T”

· Jackie · Teacher

“My class loved the story of Paricutin and how a volcano really did pop up in someone's "backyard". I thought the mapping activity was very engaging and the icing on the cake was having partnerships bring their maps together to "discover" the ring of fire. Superb lesson!”

· Michael · Teacher

“I home-educate my daughter. She's 11 and was totally absorbed in the lesson in a way she isn't normally as she generally finds science boring. I think the best part is the whole way it is presented, the way it is interactive, you can move at your own speed, the instructions are very clear and so is the teaching. And they're guided to find the answers for themselves which makes it fun. We really enjoyed it and look forward to the next one today!”

· Danielle · Homeschooler

“The kids making great connections to knowledge they already had. The best part specifically for me was having everything already prepared. Nothing beats having a lesson already created with great material and all I had to do was make some copies!”

· Amber · Teacher

“My class is always attentive during videos, but it was great to see 100% engagement during the work phase. Plotting points on the map was a new thing for them, but they really got into it, and were amazed to see the pattern when they were all put together. Keep the mysteries coming! ”

· Valerie · Teacher

“The students were so engaged and excited!!I love the way they were able to make their own discoveries and draw conclusions!”

· Janice · Teacher

“Just taught the first lesson and the kids loved it. They loved mapping the volcanoes and "seeing" the volcanoes of the world. The videos were perfectly segmented and allowed for great pacing for 9s and 10s.”

· Caroline · Teacher

“The students loved doing the volcano mapping activity. Watching my students, even ones reading way below grade level, able to access the lesson and draw generalizations about the location of volcanoes was truly amazing.”

· Michelle · Teacher

“My students loved seeing the volcano patterns, making predictions, and having discussions of why they might be formed around oceans. They can't wait for mystery 2.”

· Kristina · Teacher

“The whole formula of media, narrated and modeled directions that free up the teacher to circulate and assist, and the hands-on piece are all amazing!”

· Jaime · Teacher

“The kids loved the guided instruction, cool videos, and putting their maps together. I loved that it required them to analyze the map and make conclusions regarding volcanic activity and plate boundaries.”

· Katie · Teacher

“I was free to help the kids who needed help! The person't voice and intonation is great as well. The videos and photos are super. This is an amazing resource! ”

· Victoria · Teacher

“The students thoroughly enjoyed finding the pattern (Ring of Fire) as they plotted where the volcanoes were on the world map. They came up with their own questions for further research just because this lesson sparked their interest. Very authentic learning experience.”

· Cheryl · Teacher

“The opening hook captured everyone and opened up a slew of questions. I actually had to reign them in and tell the kids we'd get to all the questions in good time, but first we needed to figure out a few facts about volcanoes.”

· Nancy · Teacher

“Students were SO engaged! LOVE the thought provoking question to spearhead the mystery. I had several kids that said they were just "blown away!" They loved spotting the patterns on their own.”

· Kim · Teacher

“The way the narrator explains things in the video. The kids were really engaged. It's not too much info- just enough. They loved learning that we live in the Ring of Fire!”

· Holly · Teacher

“really great! My daughter had lots of fun and we both learned more about where the major volcanoes are and the importance of their pattern. ”

· Marie · Homeschooler

“The best part is when you hear the students say, "Wow! This is actually fun!" I loved the step by step guidance, the collaboration with the students and the awesome examples with detail.”

· Ashley · Teacher

“Students really enjoyed figuring out if a volcano actually could pop up anywhere. I loved the fact that the lesson also incorporated math with the coordinates.”

· Jordyn · Teacher

“The directions were clear. The students like the speakers voice and his intonations. The video was entertaining, and the worksheets and activity was easy to follow. My students are hooked on Mystery Science. :)”

· Cgalas · Teacher

“My students were super inspired by the video and loved the mapping activity! This was our first time using Mystery Science and WE LOVED IT! NGSS based is exactly what I have been needing! ”

· Bonny · Teacher

“I'm a homeschooling parent, and we had a fantastic time doing the volcano mapping activity. My daughter learned a lot, and it didn't feel like pointless busy-work.”

· Jenn · Homeschooler

“LOVED putting the student created maps together to make the "big picture". The kids loved seeing their work used for the lesson.”

· Liz · Teacher

“The videos are a great help. I appreciated the step by step instructions to the student for the activity. Just the right amount of video/interaction/activity. Can't wait to try the next lesson.”

· Jennifer · Homeschooler

“The step by step videos and clear directions from video and on worksheet. It really helped with a simple assignment such as "15 second to choose an Announcer and Mapper". That simple classroom management instruct helped so much to make sure pairs were working together and being productive. ”

· Samoana · Teacher

Volcano Discoveries worksheet	1 per pair
Volcano Discoveries Answer Key teacher-only resource	1 per class
Volcano Mapping printout	1 per 8 students
Volcano Mapping Answer Key teacher-only resource	1 per class
Colored Pencils We suggest using red colored pencils or crayons because they are the color of volcano lava. Crayons also work.	Details 1 pencil per pair

Could a volcano pop up where you live?

volcano

lava

erupt

basalt

map

pattern

predict

Ring of Fire

volcanologist

active volcano

extinct volcano

Image & Video Credits

7 mins

40 mins

8 mins

Extend this lesson

Vocabulary

Unit Reading

Video

Mini-lessons

Transcripts

Could a volcano pop up where you live?

volcano

lava

erupt

basalt

map

pattern

predict

Ring of Fire

volcanologist

active volcano

extinct volcano

Image & Video Credits

Featured Reviews

Activity Prep

Prepare Volcano Discoveries Printouts

Display Maps (Optional)

7 mins

40 mins

8 mins

Extend this lesson

Vocabulary

Unit Reading

5 Facts About Volcanoes That Will Make Your Brain Explode (Not Really)

Video

Mini-lessons

Transcripts

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