C Curriculum Explorer
Science·Volcanoes & Earthquakes·conceptual

What Is a Volcano

Know what a volcano is: an opening in Earth's surface where hot melted rock (lava) comes out

Suggested ages 5–7

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Learning journey

Your child is learning about powerful forces that shape our Earth — understanding what volcanoes and earthquakes are, how they change the landscape, and important safety rules to follow during earthquakes.

Evidence of understanding

  • Describe a volcano as a place where hot material comes out of the Earth
  • Explain that lava is rock so hot it has melted
  • Point to a volcano in a picture and describe what is happening

Assessment prompt

If What Is a Volcano sees a picture of a volcano erupting, can they explain that it's an opening in the ground where very hot melted rock comes out?

Standards alignment

No external standards are linked to this topic.