Volcanoes, Earthquakes, & Tsunamis - OH MY!

A WebQuest for primary students (Earth Processes)

Designed by

Leslie Mautz-Charles
lmautz_charles@yahoo.com

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits |Teacher Page


Introduction

    Volcanoes, Earthquakes, and Tsunamis - OH MY! These powerful acts of nature can be as destructive as they are wondrous. They are the beginnings and sometimes end of glorious cities at the end of the rainbow. From the formation of the Hawaiian islands, to the destruction of Pompeii, Italy. Follow the yellow brick road to read, investigate, and observe these disturbing and interesting forces of nature.


The Task 
   Your team goal is to successfully navigate the yellow brick road to reach the Emerald City.  Watch out for flying monkeys, apple wielding trees, and ugly wicked witches. Once you reach the Emerald City, you will need a present to enter the palace. But you realize, you have nothing to give - so you must collect information along the way and assemble a scrapbook about your adventures.  This will surely allow you passage into the palace and have you clicking your heels to return home.
Have fun and follow the directions below!

        1.  List and find pictures of the different types of volcanoes.  Add a definition and a picture of the five
             types of volcanoes to your scrapbook.
        2.  Show your volcano knowledge by labeling the volcano diagram.

        3.  Test your Earthquake I.Q. by taking an Earthquake Quiz.  Then, try completing the
            Earthquake Crossword Puzzle.  When you are finished, print out a copy of each for your scrapbook.

        4.  Find an answer to each of the following questions and place in your scrapbook :

          6. Find out what to do with your pet during an earthquake if you must leave them behind.
              Add this to your scrapbook by recording the information on your earthquake worksheet.

          7.  Find the answers to the following questions (add them to your scrapbook):

            8.  Add at least two things to do before, during, and after a Tsunami. (add to your scrapbook)

            9.  Find a picture of a Tsunami, or its destruction. (add to your scrapbook)

            10.  Read a Tsunami story.

            11.  Print out a copy of your scrapbook for your teacher to review.  Don't forget to add a cover and
                  table of contents to your creation.

            12. When your teacher gives you the "O.K."  Print out a certificate to take you home!



The Process

To accomplish the tasks, follow the steps below.  Remember,
                            FOLLOW ALL DIRECTIONS!

     1.  First you'll be assigned to a team of 3 students (cooperation is the key!).

    2.  Explore the Michigan Technological University Volcano Site
         to find information and pictures about volcanoes:
         *http://magic.geol.ucsb.edu/~fisher/

    3.  After exploring  Volcano World , print out the volcano diagram, and complete it for your scrapbook.
         *http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vw.html
          *click here to go to the diagram page.

     4.  Next, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)to test your earthquake knowledge
          by taking the quiz.  When you are finished, complete the FEMA crossword puzzle.
          Print out your work and add to your scrapbook.
          *http://www.abag.org/bayarea/eqmaps/kids.html

      5.  Find the information to answer the questions on the earthquake questionaire at the FEMA site:
           * http://www.fema.gov/kids/quake.htm
           (Hint: find each answer, highlight the text, copy it under the file menu, then paste
            it onto the worksheet.)
*Earthquake Worksheet

        6.  Visit the FEMA site again to find pictures of earthquake damage for your scrapbook.
             Also, find the information you need for answering the questions about pet care here.
             Paste it onto your earthquake
             worksheet.
             *http://www.fema.gov/kids/quake.htm

         7.   Explore the Discovery School Site to find information to complete your Tsunami worksheet.
               Don't forget to copy and paste your answers.
              *http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/dynamicearth/tlc-tidalwave/index.html
*Tsunami Worksheet

        8.  Once again, visit the FEMA site to find out what to do before, during, and after a Tsunami.  Don't forget
             to put this information on your tsunami worksheet and then into your scrapbook.

             *http://www.fema.gov/library/tsunamif.htm

        9.  Find pictures of tsunami destruction by exploring the site below. Paste pictures in your scrapbook.
            *http://www.geophys.washington.edu/tsunami/general/historic/historic.html

        10.  Read the story called Tsunami Warning by clicking below.
              *http://www.fema.gov/kids/games1.htm

        11.  Collect all your information and assemble it into a scrapbook.  You will need to design
               a cover, and a table of contents.  Don't forget to put all team member's name on your work.

        12.  You will be presenting your work orally to the class.  Practice your presentation!

        13.  Click your heels together and say..."There's no place like home!"
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Evaluation
EVALUATION FORM
ORAL PRESENTATION FORM


Conclusion

   Although these forces are unstoppable, they are survivable.  Many cities within the earthquake and volcano zones are now making accomodations to secure the safety of the people who live there.  Furthermore, geologists are constantly discovering important information which will help predict and prepare for these occurances.  Be prepared, be safe, be intrigued! These forces will leave you clicking your heels with wonder!




Credits & References

Wizard of Oz Images thanks to Warner Brothers:
http://www.thewizardofoz.com/cmp/oz.htm

Volcano diagram picture insert courtsey of:
Kid Pix Studio: Rocks and Soil Activity Pack (1998 by Brøderbund Software, Inc)

Michigan Technological University Volcano Site
http://magic.geol.ucsb.edu/~fisher/

Volcano World
http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vw.html

Federal Emergency Management Agency
http://www.fema.gov/kids

Discovery School
http://school.discovery.com

Books of Interest on Earth Processes:

Fire on the Mountain: The Nature of Volcanoes
(Carl Johnson, author; Dorian Weisel, photographry. Chronicle Books, 1994.)
More for seeing than reading, this book nevertheless provides the novice with valuable insight into the nature of volcanoes by demonstrating the volcanoes of Hawaii.

Volcanoes : Crucibles of Change
(Richard V. Fisher et al., Princeton University Press, 1997.)
This work is rich in scope (from Vesuvius to Mount Saint Helens) and includes personal accounts. In addition to illustrations, the book also includes a list—a travel guide—of over 40 volcanoes and what precautions to take when visiting the volcanoes
 
 



Leslie Mautz-Charles
Grade 2 Teacher - Duncan Falls Elementary School
lmautz_charles @yahoo.com




Last updated on May 19,2000. Based on a template from The WebQuest Page


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