Volcanoes Presentation & Guided Notes

Help students explore Earth’s explosive power with this engaging Volcanoes Presentation & Guided Notes resource! Centered around the essential question, “How do we characterize different types of volcanoes?”, this ready-to-use lesson helps students visualize and understand the structure, formation, and behavior of volcanoes around the world.

What Students Will Do

• Discover the Anatomy of a Volcano – Students learn the key parts of a volcano and how they relate to eruptions and formation.
• Connect Location to Activity – Students investigate where volcanoes form and how tectonic settings influence their characteristics.
• Compare Types of Volcanoes – Students analyze differences between shield, composite, cinder cone, and other types of volcanoes, including their shapes and eruption styles.
• Engage with Guided Notes – Structured guided notes keep students actively involved and help reinforce key vocabulary and ideas.

Why Teachers Love This Resource

• Visually Rich Presentation – A 42-slide presentation breaks down complex concepts with diagrams, photos, and animations.
• Supports Comprehension – Guided notes help students process information as they go, great for focus and retention.
• Big Picture Connections – Explores how volcanoes connect to Earth’s tectonic systems and natural hazards.
• Time-Saving & Flexible – Designed for a ~25-minute lesson but easy to extend with discussion or activities.

What’s Included?

• 42-Slide Presentation
• 8-Page Student Guided Notes

✨ Teacher Tip: Before starting the presentation, show a short video of a volcanic eruption (with sound!) to capture students’ attention. Ask them to jot down what they observe and wonder—this makes for a great “Do Now” that gets them thinking like geologists.

⭐ Looking for quality resources and time-saving tips for your secondary science classroom?
☑ Follow Spectacular Science on TPT
☑ Subscribe to My Newsletter
☑ Check Out My Blog
☑ Follow Me on Instagram

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Thanks for visiting!
Jessica