Lesson overview

Students develop their knowledge and understanding of volcanoes, recognising their features and describing their relationship with tectonic plates. They will also discover the impact volcanoes have on humans.

Learning outcomes

• Recognise the features that distinguish a volcano
• Be able to label key physical features of a volcano
• Understand their relationship with tectonic plates
• Know that there is a high density of volcanoes in the ‘Ring of Fire’
• Discuss the impact volcanoes can have on humans
  

Lesson steps

1. Introduction (10 mins)
   Students watch this video about volcanoes then label and colour in the blank diagram of a volcano on the Student Sheet, found in the Lesson resources section. Watch and explain why and how often volcanoes erupt, introducing key vocab: active, dormant etc.
   Students watch drone view of Holuhraun Volcano.
   
2. Expedition (20 mins)
   Lead expedition asking students to find the volcano. Ask: What clues tell us that it is a volcano? Point out the key vocabulary on student’s desks, ask them to find each of these features on the volcano.
3. Activity (30 mins)
   Students choose one of the expedition volcanoes to research further. Students create a case study / fact file about it, including physical features and impact on humans.
4. Extension
   Students explore how volcanoes affect humans in more detail. Look at case studies and weigh up the pros and cons.
   
   Students could they write an honest piece about a house for sale on a plot under a volcano – perhaps a persuasion text for their
   teacher about why they should / shouldn’t live there.
   
   Students write as one of the people affected by volcanoes ensuring they use the key terminology about features.
   

England

Key Stage 2 Geography

• Describe and understand key aspects of physical geography, including volcanoes
• Name and locate key topographical features including volcanoes and understand how these have changed over time