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Pre Trip Lesson Plans
Hotspots Around the World
Child's Drawing, by Cody
by Cody
Subject(s)
Science
Social Studies
Language Arts
Technology

Objective(s)
The student will locate and research major hotspots around the Earth.

Material(s)
World Map or Globe

Background
Hotspots are geologic anomalies that still elude researchers as to their origin and properties. However, much progress has been made in understanding hotspots and their effects om the Earth's surface. Hotspots are few and far between on the planet, and wherever one surfaces, we see unique geological occurences. One of the most famous hotspots on the planet exists underneath Yellowstone National Park and is the reason for the park’s hot springs, geysers, mud pots, and fumeroles. Other famous hotspot locations include Hawaii, Iceland, and New Zealand.

Procedure
The instructor will

1. Divide the students into four groups. Assign each group one of the following topics:
  • Hawaiian Islands
  • Iceland
  • New Zealand
  • Mystery Hotspot
2. Explain that each group is responsible for researching the hotspot associated with their assigned area.

3. Instruct the mystery hotspot group to find another location on the planet (excluding Hawaii, Iceland, New Zealand, and Yellowstone National Park) where there is evidence of hotspot activity.

4. Instruct students to present their findings to the rest of the class.

Assessment(s)
Presentation – Use a standard presentation rubric to assess student understanding.


Teaching Standards
National Science Standards for Grades 5-8
NS.5-8.4
NS.5-8.5
NS.5-8.6

National Social Studies Standards for Grades K-12
NSS.G.K-12.1
NSS-G.K-12.2
NSS-G.K-12.3
NSS-G.K-12.5

National Language Arts Standards for Grades K-12
NL-ENG.K-12.4
NL-ENG.K-12.6
NL-ENG.K-12.7
NL-ENG.K-12.8
NL-ENG.K-12.12

National Technology Standards for Grades K-12
NT.K-12.3
NT.K-12.5
Partners
National Science Foundation logo. Visit the NSF website.
Funding for this trip was provided by Canon U.S.A., Inc., through The Yellowstone Park Foundation.
Yellowstone Park Foundation logo. Visit the Foundation's website.
Web server services are funded through generous grants to The Yellowstone Park Foundation.