Where do volcanoes occur?

Educational value

• This is a valuable resource for the year 9 science curriculum. It is particularly relevant for the content description referring to the theory of plate tectonics and geological movement patterns. The first paragraph and the map showing the Earth's tectonic plate boundaries are particularly useful here. The map can be enlarged.
• The resource may contribute to students attaining those elements of the year 9 science achievement standard that refer to using geological processes and timescales to explain global features and events. The information provided about the evidence of volcanoes throughout geological time across Australia is relevant here. The link to the map showing Australia's extinct volcanoes is also useful.
• The resource may also be useful for the Landscapes unit of study in year 8 geography. It may be relevant for the content description referring to the geomorphic processes that produce landforms. The information provided in the final paragraph of the resource about Australia's rocks becoming younger as one moves further south, due to the northward movement of the continent over a hotspot, is particularly useful.
• The resource may also be useful for students recording and representing data using a range of techniques.

Year level

8; 9

Topics Environmental hazards Emergency services Environmental management Maps (Geographic location) Data representation Data collection Landforms Natural heritage Plate movement Tectonic plates Weathering Earth movements Earthquakes Volcanic eruptions Fieldwork Geographical information systems Sediment transport