Activity Overview
Having students track the important details of a book is an exceptional way help them follow and remember its contents. Students retain these important details and can focus on their significance within and outside the text.
- Volcanoes got its name from the early Romans who believed in Vulcan, a god of fire.
- Volcanic eruptions can cause great destruction.
- Volcanoes erupt in places where the plates meet in the Earth’s crust.
- Volcanic eruptions can create new islands and landforms.
- Extinct volcanoes will not erupt again; dormant volcanoes are likely to erupt again.
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
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Summarize the main ideas in each description box.
- Illustrate each event using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
Having students track the important details of a book is an exceptional way help them follow and remember its contents. Students retain these important details and can focus on their significance within and outside the text.
- Volcanoes got its name from the early Romans who believed in Vulcan, a god of fire.
- Volcanic eruptions can cause great destruction.
- Volcanoes erupt in places where the plates meet in the Earth’s crust.
- Volcanic eruptions can create new islands and landforms.
- Extinct volcanoes will not erupt again; dormant volcanoes are likely to erupt again.
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
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Summarize the main ideas in each description box.
- Illustrate each event using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Summarizing Volcanoes by Seymour Simon
Create a hands-on volcano demonstration safely
Engage your class by building a simple volcano model using baking soda and vinegar. This activity makes volcanic eruptions memorable and safe for students. Always supervise closely and use protective coverings for desks and floors.
Gather common materials for your classroom volcano
Collect items like a plastic bottle, baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, food coloring, and clay or playdough to form the volcano. All materials are easy to find and safe for elementary students.
Guide students in constructing the volcano shape
Let students mold clay or playdough around the bottle to create the volcano’s sides. Encourage creativity by adding ridges or ‘lava’ lines for realism.
Prepare for the eruption demonstration
Place the volcano on a tray. Add a few drops of dish soap and food coloring to the bottle, then fill it partway with vinegar. Be ready for excitement!
Add baking soda and observe the eruption
Have students carefully spoon baking soda into the bottle. The mixture will fizz and ‘erupt’, mimicking a real volcano. Discuss what happens and connect it to the science behind eruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Summarizing Volcanoes by Seymour Simon
What are the main points students should know about volcanoes from Seymour Simon's book?
Key points from Seymour Simon's book on volcanoes include: the origin of the word 'volcano' from the Roman god Vulcan, how volcanoes form at the Earth's crustal plate boundaries, their role in creating new landforms, and the difference between extinct and dormant volcanoes.
How can I help students summarize important details when reading about volcanoes?
Encourage students to identify main ideas and track key details as they read. Use tools like description boxes, timelines, or graphic organizers to help them organize information and visualize important concepts.
What is the difference between extinct and dormant volcanoes?
Extinct volcanoes are not expected to erupt again, while dormant volcanoes are currently inactive but could erupt in the future.
Why do volcanoes erupt where the Earth's plates meet?
Volcanoes erupt at plate boundaries because movement in the Earth's crust creates openings where magma can rise and escape to the surface.
What is an effective volcano lesson activity for grades 4-5?
An engaging activity is to have students create a timeline of main volcanic events, summarizing each stage and illustrating it with scenes, characters, or items. This helps reinforce comprehension and retention.
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