Volcanoes of Mexico

Suggested Grade Level: 4 - 7

Science Content Standards: 

Life Sciences

2c Decomposers, including many fungi, insects, and microorganisms, recycle matter from dead plants and animals.
3a Ecosystems can be characterized in terms of their living and nonliving component science-Grade
3b For any particular environment, some kinds of plants and animals survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all. 

Earth Sciences

4a How to differentiate among igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks by their properties and methods of formation (the rock cycle).
4b How to identify common rock-forming minerals (including quartz, calcite, feldspar, mica, and hornblende) and ore minerals using a table of diagnostic properties.
5a Some changes in the Earth are due to slow processes, such as erosion, and some changes are due to rapid processes, such as landslides, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. 

Social Science-California

4.1 Students demonstrate an understanding of the physical and human geographic features that define places and regions in California.

        a. Explain and use the coordinate grid system of latitude and longitude to determine the absolute locations of places in California and on Earth.

 Language Arts Content Standards:

Writing Strategies

Organization and Focus

1.1 Select a focus, an organizational structure, and a point of view based upon purpose, audience, length, and format requirements.

1.2 Create multiple-paragraph compositions:

     a. Provide an introductory paragraph.

     b. Establish and support a central idea with a topic sentence at or near the beginning of the first paragraph.

     c. Include supporting paragraphs with simple facts, details, and explanations.

     d. Conclude with a paragraph that summarizes the points.

     e. Use correct indention.

Research and Technology

1.5 Quote or paraphrase information sources, citing them appropriately.

1.7 Use various reference materials (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, card catalog, encyclopedia, online information) as an aid to writing.

1.8 Understand the organization of almanacs, newspapers, and periodicals and how to use those print materials.

1.9 Demonstrate basic keyboarding skills and familiarity with computer terminology (e.g., cursor, software, memory, disk drive, hard drive).

Listening and Speaking Strategies

Comprehension

1.1 Ask thoughtful questions and respond to relevant questions with appropriate elaboration in oral settings.

1.2 Summarize major ideas and supporting evidence presented in spoken messages and formal presentations.

1.3 Identify how language usages (e.g., sayings, expressions) reflect regions and cultures.

1.4 Give precise directions and instructions.

Organization and Delivery of Oral Communication

1.5 Present effective introductions and conclusions that guide and inform the listener's understanding of important ideas and evidence.

1.6 Use traditional structures for conveying information (e.g., cause and effect, similarity and difference, and posing and answering a question).

 Writing Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics)

2.3 Write information reports:

      a. Frame a central question about an issue or situation.

      b .Include facts and details for focus.

      c. Draw from more than one source of information (e.g., speakers, books, newspapers, other media sources).

 Speaking Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics)

2.1 Make narrative presentations:

      a. Relate ideas, observations, or recollections about an event or experience.

      b. Provide a context that enables the listener to imagine the circumstances of the event or experience.

      c. Provide insight into why the selected event or experience is memorable.

2.2 Make informational presentations:

      a. Frame a key question.

      b. Include facts and details that help listeners to focus.

      c. Incorporate more than one source of information (e.g., speakers, books, newspapers, television or radio reports).

 S.C.O.R.E. Lessons Standards Search by Grade and Subject
S.C.O.R.E. Standards and Framework
California Content Standards Grades K-12
California Content Standards Grades K-12 - Science - PDF Format

Lesson Plans

• Lesson 1  (Volcanoes)

• Lesson 2  (Volcano Terms)

• Lesson 3 (Lava)

• Lesson 4 (Eruptions)

• Lesson 5  (Rocks)

• Lesson 6 (Minerals)

• Lesson 7 (Ingeous Rock )

• Lesson 8  (Sedimentary Rock)

• Lesson 9 (Metamorphic Rock)

• Goals, Objectives, Materials #1

• Goals, Objective, Materials #2

• Goals, Objective, Materials #3

• Goals, Objective, Materials #4

• Hands On Lesson #1

• Hands On Lesson #2

• Hands On Lesson #3

• Hands On Lesson #4

Background:

According to California State 4th grade science standards, students need to understand concepts from Earth Science, as rocks, minerals, and plant life.  In addition the standards require students to understand presentational skills, research writing, alternative media  research as internet based research.  Lastly, Mexican Volcanoes may be used as a thematic unit for writing and comprehension standards for fourth grade students.

Skills:

• Interpreting data, Making inferences, Creating presentations

• Presentations -PowerPoint, Effective communication

• Computer literacy 

• Effective use of Internet resources 

Assignment

1. Step 1                                Complete each lesson
   Lesson 1
   Lesson 2
   Lesson 3
   Lesson 4

2. Step 2                                    Write an Essay
   Example 1
   Example 2
   Example 3

3. Step 3                                Create a Presentation
   Example 1
   Example 2
   Example 3

4. Step 4                                     Presentation

Enrichment