Introduction:
Many students may not know what Paricutin even is when you first mention it. Explain that Paricutin is the youngest volcano America and it is located in Michoacán, Mexico.
Ask the students if they know what Natural Wonders of the World are…state that Paricutin Volcano was named one of the Natural Wonders of the World because humans actually witnessed the birth if this volcano.
Facts about Paricutin:
- It started off as a fissure in a cornfield in 1943
- The volcano grew five stories within one week
- The volcano erupted numerous times until it’s final eruption in 1952
- The volcano is now considered dormant
- The volcano stands 424 meters (1,391.08 ft) above the original cornfield
1. Introduce the students to the Paricutin Volcano by reading:
“Paricutin, the Mountain of Fire” by Margarita Robleda
Or for a younger audience (4-7) try reading:
“Hill of Fire” by Thomas P. Lewis & Joan Sandin
Some questions to ask after reading the book:
- What is the Paricutin?
- How was it formed?
- What happens when a volcano erupts?
- What does it mean when a volcano is dormant?
- Do we know of any other volcanoes?
2. There are several important vocabulary words which the students will learn from this lesson. Use the vocabulary worksheet below to assess the students on the vocabulary words.
3. Children as well as adults are in constant amazement as to how volcanoes “work”. A great project for this lesson would be to make your very own classroom volcano. You can find details on how to create a working volcano here. Make this a classroom project to ensure all students participate in this project.
4. Homework research: Have students choose another volcano which they will research and write about. Keep it simple and have student’s answer questions including:
- Name of volcano
- How was this volcano formed?
- Where is this volcano located?
- When did this volcano last erupt?
- Is this volcano dormant?
After this lesson students will have learned a great deal of history and facts about the Paricutin Volcano while also having fun working on art/science project involving volcanoes. The vocabulary worksheet will help the teacher to assess the student’s comprehension of the material.