UKS2 Topic: Earth Matters Block D: Volcanoes
Learn about the features of volcanoes, their formation and discover how they are distributed around
the world. Along the way they create models, artwork, volcano dances, music and ‘David Attenborough’
style commentaries.
Block D: Volcanoes [4 sessions]
By the end of this block you will
have achieved the following
outcomes:
Session 1: Geography and Art
How are volcanoes formed?
The children learn about tectonic
plates and the formation of
volcanoes before making a play
dough model of the earth and its
layers.
Session 2: Geography and Music
Where in the world are volcanoes?
After looking at the location and
also the different traits of
volcanoes the children mark the
Ring of Fire on a world map.
Main outcome: Geography
Other outcomes: English, Art and Music


Describe and understand key aspects of volcanoes
Use maps, atlases, globes and digital/computer mapping to locate
countries and describe features studied.
 Improve mastery of art and design techniques.
 Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their
experiences.
 Appreciate and understand a wide range of high-quality live and
recorded music.
 Be able to improvise and compose music for a range of purposes.
 Be able to identify the audience for and purpose of the writing, selecting
the appropriate form and using similar writing as models for their own.
 Perform their own compositions, using appropriate intonation, volume,
and movement so that meaning is clear.
Children will
 Understand how tectonic plates work.
 Identify the layers of the earth and how volcanoes are formed.
 Draw on knowledge of the Earth’s layers to construct a cross section of
the Earth.
Children will
 Discuss what happens on the edge of a plate and where plates are
located in the world.
 Identify the Ring of Fire and discus why it exists.
 Study the features of extinct, dormant and active volcanoes.
 Watch a volcano dance and describe their appreciation of the music and
movement.
Children will
 Discuss the inside of a volcano using diagrams and focusing on the layers
and structure of a volcano intersection.
 Understand the difference between magma and lava.
 Create volcanic artwork inspired by the work of artist Margaret Godfrey
by layering tissue onto a tile, to represent layers of a volcano.
Session 3: Geography and Art
What does a volcano look like on
the inside?
Reinforcing the knowledge they
have gained so far, the children
create their own volcanic layered
artwork inspired by the work of
artist Margaret Godfrey.
Children will
Session 4: Geography, English and
 Discuss what happens when a volcano erupts and why.
Music
 Plan and perform a commentary on the build up to the eruption and the
What is an eruption like?
eruption itself.
Consolidating their knowledge of

Enact the build up to the eruption and the eruption itself through dance
volcanoes the children create
and music.
volcano dances, volcano music and
make up ‘David Attenborough’ style
commentaries.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.The links to the websites and the
contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’) have been checked by
Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton Trust’s knowledge,
are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton Trust website,
you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links, changed
such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
UKS2 Topic: Earth Matters Block D: Volcanoes
Resources
Session 1
Provided: Images of volcanoes; Instructions for making a play dough Earth; Instructions for labelling
the play dough Earth.
You will need: Play dough in colours blue, green, brown, yellow, orange, red; Blunt knives; Cocktail
sticks and small strips of paper or sticky labels.
Session 2
Provided: Lists of volcanoes; Map of the world.
You will need: A red crayon or pen.
Session 3
Provided: Instructions for creating volcano art.
You will need: Plain white tile or thick, white card; Tissue paper in various colours; PVA glue; Black felt
tip pen/permanent marker/paint.
Session 4
Provided: Instructions for a volcano dance; Instructions for volcano music; Instructions for
commentating.
You will need: Large sheets of paper to crumple; Musical instruments; Strips of chiffon or other light
material in reds, oranges and yellows; A large red/yellow/orange sheet (if possible); A video camera.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.The links to the websites and the
contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’) have been checked by
Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton Trust’s knowledge,
are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton Trust website,
you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links, changed
such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.