Year 8 Science · Unit 3 · Lesson 23

Volcanoes

Challenge Worksheet

Name
Date
Class

Learning Goals

Warm Up

Because… chain

The Hawaiian island chain formed as the Pacific Plate moved over a fixed hotspot. Fill in the missing effects in the chain below.

The Pacific Plate moves slowly northwest, but the Hawaiian hotspot stays fixed in the mantle.
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A new volcanic island grows directly above the hotspot.
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The plate carries the island away from the hotspot.
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Magma supply to the old island is cut off.
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A fresh volcano begins building above the hotspot in a new position.
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Overall outcome: what pattern does this create in the Hawaiian island chain?

Go Deeper

Someone claims...

"Volcanic eruptions are purely destructive events. They kill people, destroy homes and infrastructure, ruin farmland with ash fall, and create toxic gases. There is no benefit to a volcanic eruption, they should be prevented if we ever develop the technology to do so."

(a) What part of this claim is supported by the science you have learned? Give at least two specific examples of volcanic hazards that support the claim.

Challenge 2 marks

(b) What is misleading about calling volcanic eruptions "purely destructive"? Use at least two pieces of evidence from the lesson about volcanic benefits, consider soil fertility, new land, geothermal energy, and tourism.

Challenge 3 marks

(c) Overall, do you agree or disagree with the claim? Write a balanced conclusion that considers both sides, using specific scientific evidence.

Challenge 3 marks

Wrap Up

In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?

HSCScience · Year 8 Science · Unit 3 · Lesson 23 · Challenge Worksheet