Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Year 12 Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Geography
Lesson Topic: Processes involved in volcano formation
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the three primary magma generation mechanisms (decompression, flux, heat‑transfer) and their tectonic settings.
  • Explain how magma evolves chemically during ascent and how this influences eruption style.
  • Analyse the role of buoyancy, gas exsolution, and fracturing in magma ascent.
  • Compare effusive, explosive, and phreatic eruption types and their typical hazards.
  • Evaluate the environmental and societal impacts of volcanic eruptions.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint slides with magma and eruption diagrams
  • Handout summarising magma processes and eruption types
  • 3‑D model or cross‑section of a subduction‑zone volcano
  • Worksheets for group case‑study analysis
  • Whiteboard and markers
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video clip of a recent volcanic eruption to capture interest. Ask students what they already know about volcano formation and its link to plate tectonics. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe the full sequence from magma generation to eruption and identify associated hazards.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Quick quiz on plate boundaries and basic magma concepts.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Overview of magma generation mechanisms with diagrams.
  3. Interactive activity (12') – Small groups examine a 3‑D model to trace magma evolution and ascent processes.
  4. Guided practice (10') – Worksheet matching eruption types to magma composition and hazards.
  5. Whole‑class discussion (8') – Summarise key points, address misconceptions, and link to real‑world impacts.
  6. Exit ticket (5') – Write one sentence explaining which factor most controls eruption style.
Conclusion:
Summarise the multi‑stage pathway from magma generation to eruption, emphasizing the controlling role of viscosity and volatiles. Collect exit tickets as a retrieval check. For homework, assign a short research task on a recent volcanic disaster, asking students to identify the underlying magma processes and resulting hazards.