Lassen Volcanic National Park - Eighth Grade Curriculum Materials (U.S. National Park Service)

UNIT I: VOLCANOES

Volcanoes of Lassen - Students will learn how volcanoes are formed through a hands-on demonstration. (30-45 minutes)

Location: Classroom or field site

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Earth Cookies - Students will classify and compare cookies and rocks according to their structure and composition. (45 minutes)

Location: Classroom

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Nature's Palette: A Study of a Hydrothermal Area - Students will visit an active hydrothermal area and identify the features and chemical processes using a simple color key. (30 - 60 minutes)

Location: Lassen Park hydrothermal areas (Bumpass Hell, Sulphur Works, Devils Kitchen)

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The Big Story: Lassen Peak Erupts - While visiting the Hot Rock and Devastated Area in Lassen Park, students will "meet" historical figures who witnessed the volcanic events that occurred in May 1915. Students will listen to firsthand accounts and examine historical photos. Students will act as newspaper reporters, recording information and writing a newspaper article. (1 - 2 hours)

Location: Lassen Park. The first stop is at Hot Rock along the park road. The second stop is at the Devastated Area; students will then walk the Devastated Area interpretive trail.

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Exploring the Geology of Lassen Volcanic National Park Through the Internet - Students will use the internet to find sites that have geological information about Lassen Volcanic National Park. (30-45 minutes)

Location: Classroom or computer lab.

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Eruptive History of Lassen Volcanic National Park Creating a Timeline - In this activity students will become familiar with the eruptive history of Lassen Volcanic National Park by reading a story and then developing a timeline of the park's volcanic history. (45 -60 minutes)

Location: Classroom.

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UNIT IV: NATIONAL PARK IDEA

National Park Official Map and Guide - Students will use a map with description text to learn about Lassen Volcanic National Park. They will plan a visit based on specific details they learn from the map. (Two 45 - 60 minute periods)

Location: Classroom

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It's A Great Idea - Students will be introduced to the history of the National Park System and develop a management plan for a new national park. (minimum of three 45 - 60 minute periods)

Location: Classroom

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The American Way - Students will participate in a "town meeting" where they portray various individuals who were involved in the establishment and early development of Lassen Volcanic National Park. (One or two 45 minute periods)

Location: Classroom

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This Special Place - Students will explore a site, feature, or area in the park and make a list of details that make that site special. (45 - 60 minutes)

Location: Any site or trail in Lassen Park

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A Place for All Seasons - Students will record their observations of seasonal changes and discuss why Lassen Park is important. (45 - 60 minutes in the park and 45 minutes in the classroom)

Location: Any site or trail in Lassen Park

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National Parks for the 21st Century - Students will write and develop solutions to current and projected problems in a national park.

Time Required: This activity is divided into four parts. Each part takes 45 - 60 minutes, depending on grade level and length of class discussion. Parts I and II may be taught as separate lessons providing students with a introduction to national park management.

Location: Classroom

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