Erupting Landscapes Teacher Guide Erupting Landscapes
Teacher Facilitation Guide
GRADES 4-6
EARTH SCIENCE
60 MINS
Learning Objectives
Identify Shield, Cinder Cone, and Composite volcanoes.
Describe the physical characteristics of each type.
Explain the relationship between lava viscosity and volcano shape.
Required Materials
Eruption Slides (Presentation)
Comparison Chart (Worksheet)
Model Flags (Printable)
Playdough or food items*
Toothpicks & Glue/Tape
Reference Images (included)
*Edible options: Pancakes (Shield), Hershey Kisses (Cinder Cone), Layered Cake/Sandwich (Composite).
Lesson Sequence
5 min
Warm-Up: The Three Peaks
Show slide 2. Students guess how the different mountain shapes were formed.
10 min
Video: Eruptions Unleashed
Watch 1:05-2:10. Students complete the Comparison Chart during viewing.
25 min
Main Activity: Model Building
The Core Activity
Students build 3 models. They must apply the correct flags for Viscosity and Eruption Type.
10 min
Closure & Gallery Walk
Students rotate to view models and verify peer labels.
Vocabulary
Viscosity
How thick or "runny" a liquid is. Honey has high viscosity; water has low viscosity.
Magma vs Lava
Magma is underground; Lava is on the surface.
Stratovolcano
Another name for a Composite volcano.
Volcanologist
A scientist who studies volcanoes.
Misconception Check
Students often think all volcanoes are pointy. Emphasize that Shield volcanoes are wide and flat, often looking like low hills from a distance.
Answer Key & Teacher Tips
Worksheet: Comparison Chart Answers
Volcano Type Shape Description Lava Viscosity Eruption Style Shield Broad, gentle slopes, looks like a shield on the ground. Low (Runny) Gentle / Fluid Flows Cinder Cone Small, very steep slopes, simple cone shape. Varies (Gassy) Short-lived / Bursts Composite Tall, symmetrical, "classic" mountain look. High (Thick) Explosive
Model Building Guidance
Shield Model
If using playdough, make it very flat and wide. If using food, pancakes stacked loosely work best to show layers that spread out.
Cinder Cone Model
Should have a distinct crater at the top. Using chocolate kisses or small mounds of sand/soil mimics the "cinders" well.
Composite Model
Emphasis on layers . If using cake, show alternate layers of cake and frosting to represent ash and lava.
Discussion Anchors
1
"Why do Shield volcanoes look different from Stratovolcanoes?"
2
"How does a volcano impact people living far away?"
3
"Is a volcanic eruption always bad?"
Erupting Landscapes Slides Erupting Landscapes
Discovering the Three Architect-Giants of Our Planet
Earth Science Unit
Warm-Up: Guess the Peak
Take a look at these three shapes. How do you think they were formed?
A. The Broad Shield
B. The Steep Cone
C. The Tall Peak
Eruptions Unleashed
Segment: 1:05 - 2:10
Embedded media
Look & Listen for:
The 3 specific types of volcanoes.
How viscosity (runniness) affects shape.
Example shapes: "Warrior's Shield" vs "Symmetrical Cone".
Have your Comparison Chart ready!
Meet the Big Three
Shield
Wide and gentle slopes. Formed by runny (low viscosity) lava that travels far.
Key: Gentle Flows
Cinder Cone
Small and steep. Built from bits of cooled lava (cinders) around a single vent.
Key: Explosive Bursts
Composite
Tall, symmetrical peaks. Built from layers of ash and thick (high viscosity) lava.
Key: Big Eruptions
Model Builder Mission
Your Goal:
Build 3 models that accurately show the shape of each volcano type.
The Challenge:
Place your flags! You must label each with its Viscosity Level and Eruption Type .
Supplies:
Playdough or Food items
Cardstock Flags
Toothpicks
Tape or Glue
Pro Tip:
Think about the texture . Should the Shield volcano be tall or flat?
Gallery Walk
Rotate around the room. Can you identify which volcano is which just by the shape ? Check if the flags match your findings!
Observe
Compare
Question
Volcano Comparison Worksheet Volcano Comparison Chart
Date: ____________________
Name: ____________________
As you watch the video (1:05 - 2:10), fill in the characteristics for each volcano type.
Volcano Type Physical Shape Viscosity (Lava Type) Eruption Style Shield Example: Mauna Loa
| | | |
| Cinder Cone
Example: Paricutin
| | | |
| Composite
Example: Mt. Fuji
| | | |
The "Viscosity" Connection
In your own words, explain how the viscosity of the lava (how thick or runny it is) determines the shape of the volcano.
Extension Challenge
Volcanoes aren't just in the ocean or on other continents. Use a map or a computer to research:
What is the closest volcano to where you live? What type is it?
Earth Science: Erupting Landscapes
Worksheet 01
Volcano Model Flags Model Builder Identity Flags
Instructions: Cut out the flags, wrap them around toothpicks, and secure with tape or glue. Place them in your models!
Category 1: Volcano Names
SHIELD
Cut along solid lines
CINDER CONE
Cut along solid lines
COMPOSITE
Cut along solid lines
Category 2: Viscosity Levels
VISCOSITY LOW (RUNNY LAVA)
VISCOSITY LOW (RUNNY LAVA)
VISCOSITY HIGH (THICK LAVA)
VISCOSITY HIGH (THICK LAVA)
Category 3: Eruption Types
ERUPTION GENTLE
ERUPTION GENTLE
ERUPTION EXPLOSIVE
ERUPTION EXPLOSIVE
Check Your Work!
Before you glue your flags, double check your Comparison Chart. Composite volcanoes should have High Viscosity and Explosive flags. Shield volcanoes should have Low Viscosity and Gentle flags.
Real Volcano Reference Sheet Volcano Gallery
Real-World Examples for Exploration
FIELD REFERENCE
Type: Shield
Mauna Loa
Hawaii, USA
Notice how wide and flat this volcano is. It doesn't look like a pointy mountain! That's because the lava is like syrup —it flows very far before it cools down and hardens.
Low Viscosity
Gentle Slopes
Type: Cinder Cone
Parícutin
Michoacán, Mexico
This volcano is famous because it grew out of a farmer's cornfield! It is steep and small, made of crumbly rocks called "cinders." It has a very clear bowl-shaped crater at the top.
Gassy Eruptions
Steep Slopes
Type: Composite
Mount Fuji
Honshu, Japan
This is the "classic" looking volcano. It is tall and symmetrical . It's built of layers of thick lava and ash. When these erupt, they are often explosive because the thick lava traps gas like a cork in a bottle!
High Viscosity
Explosive
