Activity Overview
In this activity students will label a model of a volcano.
- Ash, Steam, and Gas - cloud which is pushed out of the volcano
- Secondary Cone - a cone that builds up around secondary vents
- Secondary Vent - place where magma reaches the surface without going through the main vent
- Crater - circular depression at the top of the volcano
- Magma Chamber - store of underground magma
- Main Vent - main tube that connects the magma chamber to the surface
- Lava - molten rock after it reaches the surface
- Magma - molten rock still underneath the ground
- Volcanic Bombs - rocks and larger debris that are thrown into the air during an eruption
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Demonstrate your knowledge of volcanoes by labeling a diagram of a volcano.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Search for ‘volcano’, drag and drop the diagram into a cell.
- Use Textables and arrows to label the major parts of the volcano and describe what they are.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labels | All the labels are correct. | Most of the labels are correct. | Some of the labels are correct. |
| Functions | All the functions are correct with no grammar or spelling mistakes. | Most of the functions are correct with some grammar and spelling mistakes. | Some of the functions are correct with many grammar and spelling mistakes. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
In this activity students will label a model of a volcano.
- Ash, Steam, and Gas - cloud which is pushed out of the volcano
- Secondary Cone - a cone that builds up around secondary vents
- Secondary Vent - place where magma reaches the surface without going through the main vent
- Crater - circular depression at the top of the volcano
- Magma Chamber - store of underground magma
- Main Vent - main tube that connects the magma chamber to the surface
- Lava - molten rock after it reaches the surface
- Magma - molten rock still underneath the ground
- Volcanic Bombs - rocks and larger debris that are thrown into the air during an eruption
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Demonstrate your knowledge of volcanoes by labeling a diagram of a volcano.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Search for ‘volcano’, drag and drop the diagram into a cell.
- Use Textables and arrows to label the major parts of the volcano and describe what they are.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labels | All the labels are correct. | Most of the labels are correct. | Some of the labels are correct. |
| Functions | All the functions are correct with no grammar or spelling mistakes. | Most of the functions are correct with some grammar and spelling mistakes. | Some of the functions are correct with many grammar and spelling mistakes. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Label Key Parts of a Volcano
How to Create an Interactive Volcano Eruption Demonstration in Your Classroom
Engage students by bringing volcano science to life with a safe, hands-on eruption activity! Interactive demonstrations help students visualize volcanic processes and reinforce key concepts beyond labeling diagrams.
Gather simple, safe materials for your eruption model
Collect items like baking soda, vinegar, a plastic bottle, dish soap, red food coloring, and modeling clay or play dough. These household materials allow you to build a volcano and simulate an eruption safely in the classroom.
Build a model volcano with students
Shape modeling clay or play dough around the plastic bottle to form the volcano’s cone. Let students help sculpt the crater, sides, and even add features like secondary vents for extra realism.
Prepare the eruption mixture inside the volcano
Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of red food coloring into the bottle. Pour in a squirt of dish soap to make the eruption extra foamy. Explain how this mixture represents real magma and gases building up pressure underground.
Trigger the eruption with student participation
Let students take turns pouring in vinegar to start the eruption. Watch as the 'lava' flows out of the crater, then discuss what’s happening and relate it to real volcanic eruptions and the labeled parts they’ve learned.
Frequently Asked Questions about Label Key Parts of a Volcano
What are the main parts of a volcano that students should label?
The main parts of a volcano to label include the ash, steam, and gas cloud, secondary cone, secondary vent, crater, magma chamber, main vent, lava, magma, and volcanic bombs.
How can I teach students to identify and label volcano parts easily?
Use a clear diagram and have students drag and drop labels onto each part. Encourage them to use arrows and text boxes to describe functions, making learning interactive and visual.
What is the difference between magma and lava in a volcano?
Magma is molten rock beneath the Earth's surface, while lava is magma that has reached the surface during an eruption.
Why is the magma chamber important in a volcano model?
The magma chamber stores molten rock underground and is the source of material that moves up through vents to cause eruptions, making it a key feature to label.
What tools or resources help students label volcano diagrams effectively?
Digital tools like drag-and-drop diagrams, textables, and arrows help students label volcano parts accurately and understand their functions visually.
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