Volcanoes and their features
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can recognise the key features of a volcano and can use geographical vocabulary to name and explain them.
Key learning points
- A volcano is a crack in Earth's crust from which lava is emitted.
- Volcanoes are formed at the boundaries of tectonic plates.
- Volcanoes take different forms.
- Composite volcanoes share a common structure.
Keywords
Erupt - To erupt is to suddenly burst or break open and emit something.
Distribution - Distribution is how something is spread out across a geographic area.
Magma - Magma is molten or semi-molten rock underground.
Lava - Lava is molten rock that has broken through Earth’s surface. When it is still below the surface it is known as magma.
Common misconception
Pupils will often say volcanoes 'explode' rather than erupt.
Ensure that as 'good geographers' correct vocabulary for features and processes is always used and that pupils appreciate why.
Teacher tip
Make a volcano using paper mache and paint.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Earth's layers ordered from the outer most layer to the inner most layer are the...
Q2.The largest layer of Earth is called the....
Q3.Tectonic plates are huge pieces of Earth's...
Q4.True or False: all mountains are volcanoes
Q5.Which of these is NOT a natural hazard?
Q6.When volcanoes erupt they....
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Two types of volcanoes are...
Q2.What type of volcano is this...
Q3.This volcano is a
Q4.Where do most volcanoes occur?
Q5.Molten or semi-molten rock underground is called....
Q6.The ring of fire is home to what percentage of Earth's volcanoes?
To help you plan your 4 geography lesson on: Volcanoes and their features, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 geography lesson on: Volcanoes and their features, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 geography lessons from the Mountains and volcanoes: what, where and why? unit, dive into the full primary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.