EARTH'S DYNAMIC GEOSPHERE
CHAPTER 1
VOLCANOES... AND YOUR COMMUNITY

Chapter Overview
The Chapter Challenge for Volcanoes and Your Community is for students to develop a screenplay or story, set within their community, which would help audiences understand volcanoes, volcanic hazards and the Earth system. As students move through the chapter, they inquire about the hazards and benefits of volcanism, the
evidence for past volcanism in their community, the connections between volcanoes and Earth systems, and the flow of matter and energy in the geosphere. By the end of the chapter, students have uncovered how and why volcanoes affect all communities on Earth.

Chapter Goals for Students
• Understand how and why volcanoes are part of Earth systems.
• Participate in scientific inquiry and construct logical conclusions based on
evidence.
• Recognize the hazards and benefits of volcanic activity.
• Appreciate the value of Earth science information in saving lives and preventing or reducing damage to communities.

Chapter Timeline
The chapter takes two to three weeks to complete. You will need to adjust this guide to suit your school schedule and standards. Flexibility can be built into your schedule by manipulating homework and class activities to meet your students’ needs.