Volcanoes: How They Form and Erupt

Volcanoes: How They Form and Erupt

An exciting journey into Earth's fiery mountains Year 5 Science & Geography

What Do You Know About Volcanoes?

Have you ever seen a volcano? What do you think makes them erupt? Where do you think volcanoes are found?

What is a Volcano?

A mountain or hill with a crater or vent Connected to molten rock deep underground Can be active, dormant, or extinct Found all around the world

Earth's Layers

The Earth's Crust

The thin outer layer of Earth Like the shell of an egg Made of solid rock Broken into large pieces called plates

Tectonic Plates

Large pieces of Earth's crust Float on the hot mantle below Move very slowly - centimeters per year Like giant puzzle pieces

Where Plates Meet

{"left":"Plates can move apart\nPlates can crash together","right":"Plates can slide past each other\nThese boundaries are where volcanoes form"}

The Ring of Fire

A circle of volcanoes around the Pacific Ocean Contains 75% of the world's active volcanoes New Zealand is part of this ring Caused by moving tectonic plates

New Zealand's Volcanoes

Can you name any volcanoes in New Zealand? Which ones are still active? Have you visited any volcanic areas?

What is Magma?

Molten rock deep inside the Earth Extremely hot - over 1000°C Contains gases and minerals When it reaches the surface, it's called lava

Volcano Formation Activity

Use modeling clay to build Earth's layers Show how magma rises through the crust Create your own volcano model Discuss what you observe

How Volcanoes Form - Step 1

Heat from Earth's core melts rock Creates pockets of magma in the mantle Magma is lighter than solid rock It begins to rise upward