Volcano Watch

A WebQuest for Careers in Earth Science: Volcanologist

Introduction
If someone told you that a worker used a hammer, a square, and a tape measurer, you
might be able to guess that the worker was a carpenter. If they told you that another
worker used a hammer, a bucket of water, a total station, a tiltmeter, an electronic
distance meter, a global navigation satellite system, and an interferometric synthetic
aperture radar, would you be able to guess that this worker was a volcanologist?

Task
You are a volcanologist on a team that is headed to a once extinct volcano in Peru that
has recently has been noted as “rumbling.” You have decided to write a blog to keep
other scientists, students, and your family and friends up to date on your trip.

Process
Answer the questions below to help gather information for your project. Remember to
record your answers.
1. What is volcanologist?
2. Where does a volcanologist work?
3. Is there danger in this kind of work?
4. What kinds of equipment does a volcanologist use?
5. What do volcanologists study?
6. What other things do volcanologists do?
7. Who can be a volcanologist?

Write a description
After doing web research, write a description of your trip to the volcano including your
means of transportation. Describe the equipment taken to collect samples and other
artifacts. Describe any tools you might use to monitor the conditions of the volcano, and
how and where they are placed. If possible, cite the name and location of the volcano.
Your blog should be scientifically accurate but also interesting and exciting for
nonscientists to read.

Resources
The United States Geological Survey hosts a Web site with much information on
volcanoes and volcanologist. There are many other resources for information about
volcanology on the Web. These sites include sites hosted by professional organizations,
educational and government institutions, and news organizations. Be sure to use accurate,
reliable resources.
Evaluation
Read this rubric to see how you will be scored on this project.

Criteria Points
0 5 10 15
Task The task was Some The task was The task was
not effort was completed, but completed
completed. made, but some with great
major ideas information attention to
are was incorrect. detail.
missing.
Process The process The The process It was clear
was not process was followed, that the
followed or was but some information
used. followed, answers were gathered was
but not all incorrect. complete and
information informative.
was
obtained.
Description The The The The
description description description description
was not done, included included all included all
or not well most of the the required the required
done and is required elements and elements, was
incomplete. elements the story and accurate.
and included The story was
important accurate well written
ideas.. descriptions. and
entertaining.
Total Score