Volcano Web Activity
Mrs. Gurwicz's Class

     Congratulations!  After weeks of studying volcanoes you have recently succeeded in becoming the world’s youngest volcanologist, and not a moment too soon!  The mayor of Sandwich Town is in desperate need of your help.  Sandwich Town sits right between two active volcanoes!  When you asked the mayor why anyone would build a town so close to two volcanoes, he said, “The volcanoes bring the town a huge fortune from tourists who come to see them.  There hasn’t been an eruption in years, so we figured they weren’t active anymore.” 

     Of course you, the world’s youngest volcanologist,  know better than that!  However, before you could say anything, the mayor pleaded, “We need your help.  We think there might be some signs that the volcanoes might be acting up.  Maybe we can avert disaster!  Can you help us?”  After careful consideration, you decide to help the mayor.  After all, your research could save the lives of many Sandwich Town citizens!

 (Standards 3.4,3.5,3.6,3.8)

     You must help Sandwich Town .  Do research on the internet to find information on the warning signs that a volcano shows before it is going to erupt.  However, Sandwich Town needs more than that.  You need to find out what kind of damage they should expect if one or both of the volcanoes erupts.  Perhaps the most important part of your research is to give suggestions to the mayor for an evacuation plan of Sandwich Town, should there be signs of a serious eruption. 

Your task:

First, record your research findings in your science journal.  
Next, write a letter to the mayor using word processing.  Your letter should include your research information along with your advice.  Also, insert an image (photo or clipart), that reinforces what you are saying in your letter.......Be prepared to share this info on Eruption Day.

 Sandwich Town needs:

  1)  A description of warning signs that help predict eruptions.  Make sure to include any problems there might be when trying to predict eruptions. 

  2)  A description of the damage they should expect if a volcano erupts.

 3)  Suggestions for an evacuation plan if the volcanoes are showing signs of eruption.   

  To get more information, visit these sites:

  Site:                      URL:
   PBS                        http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/vesuvius/planning.html

  Learner                    http://www.learner.org/exhibits/volcanoes/judgehaz.html

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

  USGS                      http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/volc/cover2.html

       You can also find your own sites.  Try these words in a safe search engine:   Volcano, volcanoes, evacuation, eruption, damage.  What sites did you find most helpful to your information gathering on volcanoes?  

Need more information?   You may ask a question on volcanoes and igneous rocks at Ask an Earth Scientist.

     You may also collect information from an electronic encyclopedia or an online encyclopedia such as Encarta's On-Line Encyclopedia.

     Be sure to compare the information you've gathered and think about your findings.  Does the information make sense?  Have you found the same information from at least two other sources?  Do you now believe that the sources are reliable?  Will you use the info when reporting to the class?  Be sure to cite your sources.  Also, be sure to use the information without plagiarizing...That is, put what you have found in your own words. 

Mrs. Gurwicz will assess your work according to the Volcano Rubric and Word Processing Rubric.

Good luck!  Save the town!

Volcano Web Activity written by Mr. Langevin, our Inquiry Block student, and Mrs.Gurwicz

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