Grade Level- 4^th grade

Being a volcanologist is an exciting job. You might get to specialize in lava flows or jets of hot water, called geysers. Or you would study the chemistry of ancient volcanic rocks, or even volcanoes out in space. You would have the chance to get close to an active volcano too! That would definitely be a thrill! Volcanologists keep tabs on active volcanoes. They try to predict when a volcano’s going to blow, so that people nearby have time to escape. Instruments record danger signals that show the buildup of magma inside the volcano. An example could be a bulge in a volcano’s side is a sign that it may be about to blow.

Still thinking about becoming a volcanologist? GOOD! While you think about your career many questions pop into your head. These are:

1. What does a volcanologist wear on the job?

2. What kind of tools do they use?

3. How hot does a volcano actually get?

Many people before coming volcanologist think about these questions everyday. These people want to be safe and comfortable on the job.

You have just been hired as a volcanologist in Hawaii. Your boss tells you that in two weeks you are going to have your first assignment. In order to go on the assignment, you have to figure out what you have to wear and what kind of tools you have to bring on this mission. Also on this mission you will you find out when the volcano is going to erupt. What signs let you know? You think about your mission and climbing up one of the volcanos in Hawaii. Your mind is racing with ideas about what you will need and how you are going to accomplish this task at hand. When the day finally comes you will write down what you had to wear for protection, what different kinds of tools you used, and the features that you saw on the volcano that told you it was almost ready to erupt! Make sure to keep all of your observations from your first assignment so you can report back to your boss! Good luck with everything!

As you think about your journey to the volcano you can visit some of the following websites that have been found for you. These are to help you on your brave journey that you are about to start!

http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/frequent_questions/grp2/question3.html

http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/working_on_volcs/Working_on.html

http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/frequent_questions/grp2/question2022.html

http://204.234.22.1/SDGI/Dodge.dragonweb/Dodge.pages/archive/tell.pages/volcano.html

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/vesuvius/predict.html

To get more information on this topic try typing in the following words to a search engine that you prefer to use:

Volcanologists

Volcanoes

Tools used by volcanologists

Clothing for volcanologists

Volcanic eruptions

After you are done researching what a volcanologist wears, tools that he/she use, and signs that inform you if a volcano is going to erupt write down all the information you found. You will prepare a little book with the information that you found and share with your classmates.

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to email me: Will Clark

whclark@uvm.edu