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Why do some volcanoes explode?

From Mystery Science

Why do some volcanoes explode?
4thScience
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Summary

In this lesson, students will investigate how differences in lava types explain differences in the shape and eruption patterns among volcanoes. Mystery Science lessons open with a real-world question and build to a hands-on activity.

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Ages 7+

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Teaching resources

Discussion questions

A few questions to talk through after the lesson Why do some volcanoes explode?:

  1. What was your first guess, and did the lesson change your thinking?
  2. What evidence or clue in the video was most convincing?
  3. Where have you seen this happen in the real world?
  4. What would you want to investigate next?

Quick work-a-long

Try it:

  • In one sentence, answer the mystery question in your own words.
  • Sketch or describe one piece of evidence from the lesson that supports your answer.