In this monitoring and predicting volcanoes activity, students analyze data to figure out whether scientists can predict a volcanic eruption and which fictional nearby town is at greater risk.
This activity focuses on the true intent of NGSS MS-ESS3-2 by having students evaluate patterns in earthquake activity, sulfur dioxide emissions, ground swelling, and steam temperature to make evidence-based decisions about volcanic hazard risk. This activity is NOT about the anatomy of a volcano or how they work – it is about how future catastrophic events can be forecasted.
This resource includes:
- Background reading on the tools and data that scientists use to monitor volcanoes and predict eruptions
- Two volcano data tables collected from fictional towns
- Reading comprehension and data analysis questions
- Brief volcano monitoring graphic organizer
- CER question – students must use volcano monitoring data to predict which volcano might be in danger of erupting
Teacher Notes:
- Answer keys are always included.
- Please note that this predicting volcanoes activity is not editable.
- Save paper! A digital Google Slides version is included as an option to assign.
- NGSS MS-ESS3-2: Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects.
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