Teacher Resources

New Mexico: The Volcano State
Objective:
• Know that there are many volcanoes in New Mexico and where these volcanoes or fields of volcanoes are located in the state. • Know the different types of volcanoes and that these are distinguished by their different shapes or appearance. • Know the general ages of volcanic areas in New Mexico
General Information:
Suggested Grade: 3-9 Group Size: 25-30 Duration: About 45 minutes
Materials:
• Map of NM • List of volcanoes (included in this activity) • Types of Volcanoes sheet (included in this activity) • 1-2 small cans of playdoh for each group of students • Baking soda and vinegar in small paper cups (1 each for each group of students)
Background:
Students, working in groups will make a specific volcano and locate it on the map of New Mexico. They will then “erupt” their volcanoes in sequence and make a list of the different types of volcanoes that exist in the state.
Procedure:
1. Prepare materials for each group of students. Prior to this activity, cut up or reproduce the list of volcanoes by type of volcano so that all of the shield volcanoes are on one slip of paper and all of the maar volcanoes are on another slip of paper etc. Acquire playdoh (one to two cans per group of students). Put together large format version of the map of New Mexico (included in this activity) or use a general highway map of New Mexico. 2. Begin this activity by asking the students of they have ever seen a real volcano (most will be amazed to discover that they can see volcanoes on the horizon or as they travel throughout the state. 3. Discuss different types of volcanoes using the Types of Volcanoes sheet provided. 4. Form student into groups; have each group draw a slip of paper with a volcano type on it; direct each group to choose one of the volcanoes listed by name and make that volcano put of playdoh. 5. Have each group bring their volcano to the map of New Mexico and place their volcano on the correct site. 6. Have one person form each group pick up the cup of vinegar and another person pick up the cup of baking soda. 7. Have each group “erupt” their volcano in the proper time sequence based on the age of eruption of their volcano. 8. Finish the activity by reviewing and discussing the model of the volcanoes of New Mexico that you have just produced. Questions are provided to help guide the discussion.
Discussion Questions :
• Are the models of the volcanoes accurate? • Are the eruptions accurate? • What would make the timing of the eruption more accurate? • What do you think the eruption must have really been like? What would have it looked like, what were the effects on the landscape, on the plants and animals in the area? • Where are the older volcanic areas in the state? Where are the younger volcanoes and volcanic eruptions in the state? • Will there be another eruption someday in New Mexico?
Extensions:
“Color code” the older volcanoes (older that 5my) and the younger volcanoes in the state. Students or groups of students can choose one type of volcano or volcanic area in NM to research. Do people live there today? When was this area settled? How is the volcanic area used? What resources are acquired from this area (timber, copper, gold, etc?) What plants and animals live there today? Explore how volcanoes have been used by humans (cinder for roads, geothermal energy) and how volcanoes have appeared in myths and legends from various cultures. Research historic eruptions of particular types of volcanoes; for example, shield volcano (Hawaii), cinder cone (Paricutin, Mexico), composite volcano (Mt. St. Helen, Vesuvius or Krakatau), and then contrast that eruption to what must have occurred in New Mexico. Write a newspaper story (as though you were a time traveler) about the eruption of one of the volcanoes or volcanic areas in New Mexico and how it affected the landscape and the plants and animals living at that time.
Resources:
Volcanoes of New Mexico web site (access through the NM Museum of Natural History and Science web site www.NMnaturalhistory.org Volcanology in New Mexico, Bulletin #18, NMMNHS edited by L.S. Crumpler and S. Lucas, 2001 Volcanoes of North America, edited by C.A. Wood and K. Kienle, Cambridge University Press, 1990.