Introduction
Imagine that you live near a mountain that suddenly begins producing smoke, ash, and hot gases. Would you know what is happening and what you should do?
Volcanoes are powerful features of Earth's surface. Their eruptions can create new land and enrich soil, but they can also cause serious hazards to people, animals, and the environment.
In this WebQuest, you will become a volcano investigator. You will explore reliable online resources to discover how volcanoes form, what causes eruptions, what happens during an eruption, and how people can prepare for volcanic hazards.
Task
Your task is to investigate volcanoes and volcanic eruptions and create an informative infographic or digital poster.
Your output should include:
- What a volcano is
- How volcanoes form
- What causes volcanic eruptions
- Major volcanic materials or hazards
- Effects of volcanic eruptions on people and the environment
- Ways communities can prepare for volcanic hazards
- A labeled diagram of a volcano
- At least three reliable sources
Your infographic should present the information clearly and use your own words.
Process
Step 1 – Explore
Research the basic concept of volcanoes.
Find out:
- What is a volcano?
- Where do volcanoes commonly form?
- What happens beneath Earth's surface before an eruption?
Step 2 – Investigate Volcanic Eruptions
Research what causes volcanic eruptions and identify materials that may be released, such as:
- Lava
- Volcanic ash
- Gases
- Rock fragments
Step 3 – Examine the Effects
Investigate both the positive and negative effects of volcanic activity.
Consider effects on:
- People
- Animals
- Land
- Air and water
- Agriculture
- Communities
Step 4 – Investigate Volcanic Hazards
Identify common hazards associated with volcanic eruptions and research how people can stay safe before, during, and after an eruption.
Step 5 – Create Your Infographic
Using Canva, Google Slides, PowerPoint, or another digital design tool, create your volcano infographic.
Include a labeled volcano diagram and organize your information into clear sections.
Step 6 – Review Your Work
Before submitting, check that:
- Your scientific information is accurate.
- Your volcano diagram is properly labeled.
- You explained the causes and effects of volcanic eruptions.
- You included safety or preparedness information.
- You used reliable sources.
- You explained information in your own words.
Resources
1. PHIVOLCS: https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/
2. USGS Volcano Hazards Program: https://www.usgs.gov/volcano
3. Smithsonian – When Volcanoes Erupt: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/education/teaching-resources/earth-science/when-volcanoes-erupt
4. Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program: https://volcano.si.edu/
Evaluation
| Criteria | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Fair (2) | Needs Improvement (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific Accuracy | Information is accurate and clearly explained | Mostly accurate with minor errors | Some inaccurate information | Contains major errors |
| Content | Thoroughly explains volcanoes, eruptions, effects, and hazards | Covers most required information | Some required information is missing | Much of the required information is missing |
| Diagram | Complete, accurate, and clearly labeled | Mostly accurate and labeled | Some labels are missing | Diagram is incomplete or inaccurate |
| Organization and Design | Clear, organized, and visually effective | Organized and understandable | Some organization problems | Difficult to follow |
| Sources and Own Words | Uses reliable sources and clearly explains ideas in own words | Uses appropriate sources and mostly own words | Limited sources or unclear wording | Sources are missing or information is copied |
Total: 20 points
Scoring Guide:
17–20: Excellent
13–16: Good
9–12: Developing
5–8: Beginning
Conclusion
Volcanoes are important features of Earth's dynamic surface. Volcanic eruptions can change landscapes and affect ecosystems, communities, and human activities. Understanding how volcanoes form, what causes eruptions, and what hazards they create can help people make informed decisions and prepare for possible emergencies.
Through this WebQuest, you investigated volcanoes using online resources and organized your findings into a digital infographic. You also learned that scientific knowledge can help communities better understand and respond to natural hazards.
Reflection Questions
- What did you learn about how volcanoes form and erupt?
- What are some effects of volcanic eruptions on people and the environment?
- Why is it important for communities to understand volcanic hazards?
- How did the online resources help you understand volcanoes better?
Your answer should be written in 3-5 sentences.
Credits
Created by: Leslie Gomez
Course: Technology for Teaching and Learning
School/Institution: Iqra Development Academy
Year: 2026
Teacher Page
Teacher Information
Subject: Science
Grade Level: Grade 8
Topic: Volcanoes and Volcanic Eruptions
Estimated Time: 45–60 minutes
Learning Area: Earth, Space & Environmental Science
Learning Objective
At the end of the WebQuest, the learner should be able to explain how volcanoes form, describe the causes and effects of volcanic eruptions, and identify ways communities can prepare for volcanic hazards.
Teacher Preparation
Before starting the activity, the teacher should:
- Introduce the basic concept of volcanoes and volcanic eruptions.
- Explain that volcanic activity is related to processes occurring beneath Earth's surface.
- Make sure the learner has access to the provided online resources.
- Explain the expected infographic or digital poster output.
- Remind learners to use reliable sources and explain information in their own words.
- Encourage learners to connect volcanic hazards with community safety and environmental effects.
Instructional Approach
This WebQuest uses an inquiry-based learning approach. The learner explores online resources, gathers and evaluates information, compares ideas, and uses the information to explain volcanic processes and hazards.
The activity also supports constructivist learning because learners actively construct their understanding through exploration, interpretation, and creation of their own digital output.
Assessment
The learner's volcano infographic or digital poster will be assessed using the 20-point rubric provided in the Evaluation section. The teacher may also use the reflection questions in the Conclusion to assess the learner's understanding of volcanic processes and hazards.
Technology Needed
- Computer, tablet, or smartphone
- Internet connection
- Web browser
- Canva, Google Slides, PowerPoint, or another digital design tool
- Online volcano diagrams, images, or educational videos