Volcanoes and People Documentary Project
Introduction
How do volcanoes affect the people who live near them? In this project, you and other members
of your group will try to answer this question by making a documentary about life in a volcanic
region.
Your group will choose a volcano or volcanic region and one topic to research about how people
nearby are affected. For example, your group could decide to find out how people have benefited
from living near a volcano or the ways people show volcanoes in their art and stories. Your
group may choose any volcano or volcanic region and any topic you want, so long as you are
able to find enough information to create a good documentary.
Next, your group will research information about the volcano and topic you chose. As you do
research, you will need to take notes and cite the sources for a bibliography. Your group will use
the notes to plan and then write your documentary. Some of the information can be presented by
a speaker. Other information might be better as a visual – a poster, an overhead transparency,
computer art, or a mural. Some information could be presented in a video, movie, song, or skit –
either “live”, tape, or DVD. Power Points will not be accepted for this project.
Your group will need to rehearse your documentary and practice using the audiovisual materials.
After you have made final changes, your group will present the documentary to the class.
Project Rules
1. With other members of your group (maximum of four, minimum of two), choose a
volcano or volcanic region to study.
2. Research the volcano or volcanic region and topic your group has chosen. As you do
research, take notes on the information you find and cite each source.
3. Work with other group members to plan your documentary. Decide which pieces of
researched material best fit the topic you chose. Decide how to present each piece of
information in a creative way. Identify the audiovisual materials you will use and where
each will be included. Also identify which group member will present each step.
4. Write your documentary and create the audiovisual materials.
5. Rehearse your group’s presentation. Make sure it fits the time limit (3 to 5 minutes).
6. With your group, present your documentary to the rest of the class. Be prepared to
answer questions about any part of your group’s presentation.
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Topic Ideas
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Hot springs for recreation and health
Tourism in a volcanic region
Uses of and products made from volcanic materials
Volcanic soils and agriculture
Evacuating people from a volcanic region
Cleaning up and rebuilding after an eruption
Archaeological excavations in a volcanic region
Art and literature about a volcano
Volcanoes and People Documentary
Rubric
Presentation
Clarity
Voice projection
Eye contact
Equal participation
Time
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
4
8
4
4
3
6
3
3
2
4
2
2
1
2
1
1
0
0
0
0
Creativity
3
2
1
0
Bibliography
(minimum of 4 cited sources with
At least one non-internet source)
3
2
1
0
Content of report
Organized
Factual
Interesting
Visual aid(s)
Total points
5
10
5
5
Page 3
Active Volcanoes and Volcanic Regions Throughout the World
Country
Volcano/Region Names
Chile
Colombia
Congo
Costa Rica
Ecuador
El Salvador
Ethiopia
Guadeloupe
Guatemala
Iceland
Indonesia
Calbuco, Llullaillaco
Nevado del Ruiz, Purace
Nyamuragira, Nyiragongo
Arenal, Irazu, Poas
Cotopaxi, Guagua Pichincha, Reventador, Sangay
Izalco
Erta Ale
La Soufriere
Fuego, Pacaya, Santa Maria
Askja, Heimaey, Hekla, Krafla, Laki, Surtsey
Agung, Colo, Dieng, Galunggung, Gamalama, Kelut, Krakatau, Merapi,
Papandajan, Semeru, Tambora
Etna, Solfatara, Stromboli, Vesuvius, Vulcano
Asama, Aso, Bandai, Bayonnaise Rocks, Fuji, Oshima, Sakura-jima,
Tarumai, Unzen, Usu
Bezymianny, Karymsky, Kliuchevskoi, Tolbachik
Italy
Japan
Kamchatka
(Russia)
Martinique
Mexico
Montserrat
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Philippines
St. Vincent
Tanzania
USA: Alaska
California
Hawaii
Oregon
Washington
Wyoming
Pelee
Colima, El Chcihon, Paricutin, Popocatepetl
Soufriere Hills
Ruapehu, Tarawera, White Island
Cerro Negro, Coseguina, Masaya
Lamington, Rabaul
El Misti
Pinatubo, Mayon, Taal
La Soufriere
Ol Doinyo Lengai
Augustine, Katmai, Pavlof, Redoubt, Shishaldin
Lassen Peak
Kilauea, Mauna Loa
Mount Hood
Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens
Yellowstone Caldera