Cambridge Secondary (7-9). Stage 7. MCE Science. Student Book - Unit 13: Earth Processes

Volcanoes are found around the world, for example in Iceland, the Philippines, New Zealand, Indonesia, Italy and Hawaii. What is a volcano?

How is a volcano formed?

Geothermal energy can be used to produce electricity. Do you think this is a more sustainable way of producing electricity than burning fossil fuels?

How can using geothermal energy benefit the environment?

Mount Marapi in Indonesia is an active volcano. It regularly erupts. What happens when a volcano erupts?

And how does this help us to understand what happens beneath the Earth’s surface?

Make a simple model of the Earth’s structure at home. Use modelling clay, cardboard or any other materials you have at home. Present your model in groups.

For each model, discuss the following question in your group. What are the strengths of this model?

What are the limitations of the model?

How can this model be improved?

What are two differences between the Earth’s crust and the mantle?

Which layer of the Earth is the hottest?

Name two metals that make up the core of the Earth.

What are each of the tectonic plates made of?

What causes tectonic plates to move?

Tectonic plates usually move so slowly that people cannot feel them moving. Sometimes they move suddenly. Do you know what an earthquake feels like?

Do you think the Earth will look the same millions of years from now?

If not, how will it change?

(Hint: Think about how the tectonic plates are moving.)

Are all earthquakes equally strong?

How do we measure how strong an earthquake is?