Mountain of Fire Reading Passage
Earth Science • Grade 5 Reading Passage
Name: Date:
Mountain of Fire
How Earth's Hidden Heat and Pressure Shape Our Living World
Part 1: Reading Text
Molten Rock Under Pressure
Deep beneath our feet, Earth is roaring with heat. While the ground feels solid, Earth's outer crust is cracked into massive drifting slabs called tectonic plates. Beneath these plates lies the mantle, where temperatures soar thousands of degrees and melt rock into a glowing liquid called magma.
Because liquid magma is hotter and lighter than the cooler rock around it, it slowly bubbles upward toward the surface. Magma collects in large underground reservoirs known as magma chambers. Trapped gases expand inside the molten rock like carbonation in a shaken soda bottle, building immense pressure against the crust above.
Eruptions and Earth's Renewal
When the rock cap above cannot hold the strain, the crust ruptures and the volcano erupts! Once magma bursts out onto Earth’s surface, geologists call it lava. Some eruptions flow gently in glowing rivers, like Hawaii's shield volcanoes. Others explode violently, hurling dark clouds of ash and pumice miles into the sky.
Although eruptions can bring dangerous hazards, volcanoes are also essential builders. Over millions of years, cooled lava creates brand-new land, including the Hawaiian Islands and Iceland. Volcanic ash breaks down into fertile soil rich in minerals, proving that volcanoes actively renew our planet.
Geologist's Glossary
Magma vs. Lava: Magma is melted rock underground; lava is molten rock on the surface.
Tectonic Plates: Enormous slabs of Earth's crust that drift slowly over the hot mantle.
Magma Chamber: Underground pool where liquid rock and gas pressure collect.
Reading Check: Quick Recall
Answer in brief notes
1. Why does magma bubble upward instead of sinking down into the Earth?
2. What causes pressure to build inside a magma chamber before an eruption?
Mountain of Fire • Grade 5 Earth Science Turn over for Grade 7 Writing Extension →
Earth Science • Grade 7 Writing Extension
Name: Date:
Volcanic Forces: Creator or Destroyer?
Constructed Response Task based on "Mountain of Fire"
Part 2: Writing Task
Grade 7 Writing Prompt
Prompt: In the text, the author describes volcanoes as both destructive hazards and "essential builders." In a well-developed explanatory paragraph, analyze how volcanoes can both destroy landscapes and renew our planet. Cite at least two specific pieces of evidence from the passage to support your explanation.
Pre-Writing Organizer: Text Evidence Notes
Evidence 1: How Volcanoes Destroy
Evidence 2: How Volcanoes Build / Renew
Student Written Response
Write in complete sentences
Checklist: [ ] Clear claim [ ] 2 text citations [ ] Explanation connects evidence [ ] Mechanics checked
Mountain of Fire • Grade 7 Writing Extension Page 2 of 2
