A volcano in Iceland has shut down a lot of Europe’s airspace. A giant ash cloud from the volcano means it is too dangerous for airplanes to fly. The ash gets into the airplane’s engines and can cause great damage. The volcano erupted on Wednesday and has caused travel chaos all over the world. Thousands of flights could not take off in Britain, Ireland, France, Belgium and Scandinavia. People across the world with flights to these countries cannot travel until the cloud disappears. Scientists do not know when the ash will clear.
A weather forecaster from Iceland’s meteorological office said the situation would continue for days, or even weeks. He pointed out that the same volcano erupted in 1821 and continued for two years. It is difficult to imagine what would happen if no planes could fly to most of Europe until 2012. Ferry and train companies would be very busy, and happy. Other people who are happy at the moment are sunset watchers. The ash in the sky is creating beautiful and spectacular sunsets. The whole world is watching this ash cloud.
1. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find more information about the ash cloud from the Iceland volcano. Talk about what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.
2. MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Write a magazine article about volcanoes. Include imaginary interviews with two people who are waiting at airports unable to fly. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.
3. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.
4. LETTER: Write a letter to a volcanologist (a volcano expert). Ask him/her three questions about volcanoes. Give him/her three of your opinions on volcanoes. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Your partner will answer the questions you asked.
5. Research: You may research the list of volcanoes and then indicate the type of volcano. Write detailed information they researched under the column that identifies that type of volcano.
Suggested Volcanoes to Research:
Craters of the Moon Mt. Pinatubo Mount Hood Kilauea
Paricutin Mount Cotopaxi Mount Saint Helens Mount Rainer
Mauna Loa Mount Fuji Mount Shasta Mt. Etna
Search Volcanoes Find Volcanoes by Name
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Welcome! Enjoy your summer!
During the summer of 2010, students will expand their thinking and knowledge of an area to present their findings to their 8th grade classmates in the fall. Students will get a jump start on their CORE classes for the 8th grade curriculum.
The model uses higher order thinking skills, critical thinking (analyzing, evaluating, organizing, synthesizing), possibly to be sent to news stations, newspapers, internet sites, etc., to let America and the world know that the youth of today is tomorrow’s future. Students have rights and voices concerning the state of the planet when they become of age to make the important decisions concerning the future of their children.
The model uses higher order thinking skills, critical thinking (analyzing, evaluating, organizing, synthesizing), possibly to be sent to news stations, newspapers, internet sites, etc., to let America and the world know that the youth of today is tomorrow’s future. Students have rights and voices concerning the state of the planet when they become of age to make the important decisions concerning the future of their children.
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