Volcanoes

Ascension Island

Synopsis

This lesson provides an engaging context for students to learn about volcanoes, providing an opportunity to examine the role of tectonic plates in volcanic activity and highlighting the role of volcanoes in creating land mass. The lesson will also provide an opportunity to examine both the geological and social benefits (and drawbacks) of land mass formed by volcanic activity. Furthermore it allows for an investigation of the different statuses (Active / Dormant / Extinct) assigned to volcanoes and shows how a volcanic landscape can be used as an airfield.

MOD Topic

Ascension Island

Curriculum Checklist

n/a

Curriculum Links

• Citizenship

Prior Knowledge

Knowledge of the existence of tectonic plates.
Some knowledge of the Falklands War.

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Have a basic understanding of the role of tectonic plates in volcanic activity.
• Have a basic understanding of the geological characteristics of land mass formed from volcanic activity.
• Have a basic understanding of the variety of land uses that are possible on land formed from igneous material and appreciate some positive and negative effects of living and working in this sort of environment.
• Have a basic understanding of the geographical and strategic significance of volcanic islands and awareness of use of Ascension Island By UK Armed Forces during the Falklands War in 1982.

Average ability students will:

• Have an understanding of the role of tectonic plates in volcanic activity.
• Understand the geological characteristics of land mass formed from volcanic activity.
• Understand the variety of land uses that are possible on land formed from igneous material and appreciate the positive and negative effects of living and working in this sort of environment.
• Understand the geographical and strategic significance of volcanic islands and awareness of use of Ascension Island by UK Armed Forces during the Falklands War in 1982.

Higher ability students will:

• Fully understand the role of tectonic plates in volcanic activity.
• Have a complete understanding of the geological characteristics of land mass formed from volcanic activity.
• Fully understand the variety of land uses that are possible on land formed from igneous material and appreciate the positive and negative effects of living and working in this sort of environment.
• Have a complete understanding of the geographical and strategic significance of volcanic islands and awareness of use of Ascension Island by UK Armed Forces during the Falklands War in 1982.

Lesson code

G9