Volcanoes

By Nell Cross Beckerman and Kalen Chock 

Informational Resources:

Author Information:

Nell Cross Beckerman’s Website:

https://www.nellcrossbeckerman.com/#/

Illustrator Information:

Kalen Chock

https://www.cgmasteracademy.com/instructors/81-kalen-chock

Hear Nell Cross Beckerman and Kalen Chock talk about the book for Scholastic (0:59)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHk2tDluxHc

Activities & Resources:

Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program

https://volcano.si.edu/

Volcanoes:

Volcano Facts and Photos: Volcanoes 101

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/volcano

Ring of Fire, Tectonic Plates, and Volcanoes explained (7:40)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vu6t3e4oqrE

Why is Mars’ Olympus Mons so big? (5:32)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CDMW_cnaTQ

Meet a Volcanologist (2:11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIIHzySoZ58

Deep Ocean Volcanoes (1:50)
https://kera.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/buac17-35-sci-ess-oceanvolcanoes/deep-ocean-volcanoes/universe/

Space volcanoes
https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/volcanoes/en/#earth

Krakatoa The Loudest Sound Ever Heard (2:53)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPVN0QooLSc

Tsunamis:

How Tsunamis Work (3:37)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx9vPv-T51I

Tsunamis: The Biggest Waves (3:52)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6cnFM55_Dw

MakerSpace Activities:

Underwater Volcano Experiment (3:35)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1VJetzcaM0

Vinegar and Baking Soda Volcano (4:18)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIvXnqQaSwM

How to Make Elephant Toothpaste (1:08)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3-hGx6PEMM

Make a Lemon Volcano (1:20)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPOKDru-2ug

Discussion Questions:

What is a volcano?

What does it mean when a volcano is dormant or extinct?

What are the different ways lava leaves a volcano?

What do you call a scientist who studies volcanoes?

What does a volcanologist do?

How do volcanologists stay safe when they travel to volcanoes?

How do you measure a volcano's “mood?”

What happens to the lava when it cools?

What happens over time when there are multiple volcanic eruptions?

What happened in the 1883 volcanic eruption of Krakatoa?

What are tectonic plates?

What is the Ring of Fire?

How do underwater volcanoes facilitate life?

What are extraterrestrial volcanoes?

What are cryovolcanoes?

What are red volcanoes?

What are gray volcanoes?

What is the Volcanic Explosivity Index?

Would you visit an active volcano like the author did?

Book Talk Teasers:

Read the reader’s theater for Volcanoes by Nell Cross Beckerman.

Watch the book trailer on the Texas Bluebonnet Award website.

Read Alikes: 

Bauer, Marion Dane. Volcano!. The Earth as we know it was partly created by volcanoes. Many are still active today. Learn how volcanoes form and what is going on inside when they erupt in this engaging Ready-to-Read! (NoveList Plus)

Kerry, Isaac. Volcanic Eruptions. A rumble deep inside Earth. Hot, flowing magma is trapped and needs a way to escape. Pressure builds and causes a break in the surface. Eruption! Volcanic eruptions can shoot lava, ash, and smoke over a huge area. Why do they happen? Learn about volcanoes, what causes them, and how to be prepared. (NoveList Plus)

Kulekjian, Jessica. Kaboom!: A Volcano Erupts. IThe story of a volcano's eruption, as it's never been told before! Here's a step-by-step story of a volcanic eruption--from the volcano's point of view! Readers meet the volcano as it placidly slumbers. But then, hot magma moves into a chamber beneath it. Steam and gas spew out. The magma and gasses rise up, ready to escape. Finally, the volcano shouts, "I'm awake!" as lava, hot rocks, and billows of ash erupt out of its vents with a roar. Hiss, gurgle, sputter, growl! Who knew being a volcano could be so exciting? (NoveList Plus)

Simon, Seymour. Danger! Volcanoes. Introduces the facts about volcanoes, what they are, why and how they erupt, different types of volcanoes found around the world, and the effects of some famous eruptions of the twentieth century. (NoveList Plus)

Tarpley, Todd. Oh the Lavas that Flow! All About Volcanoes. The Cat in the Hat explains the science behind volcanic eruptions and takes readers on a tour of the most famous volcanoes on Earth-and beyond! (NoveList Plus)

Reviews:

Booklist (June 1, 2024 (Vol. 120, No. 19))

Preschool-Grade 3. There have been a number of recent picture books about volcanoes, and this offering from Scholastic does a great job of engaging kids as it explores volcanoes' majesty and mysteries, providing insights into basic earth science. There are two tracks of dialogue: one consists of brief, lyrical descriptions of earthquakes, eruptions, and lava flows ("Oozing like thick, hot honey. Glowing taffy"), and another offers paragraphs filling in more sophisticated but still accessible details ("Lava leaves volcanoes in different ways. Gently flowing lava is called pahoehoe"). The two-page spreads address different aspects: from shifting plates, eruptions, volcanologists, new land formation, and tsunamis to the wonders of the new life-forms encountered during deep-sea volcanic exploration and the more recent discoveries of extraterrestrial volcanoes. Full-page illustrations support and enhance the text, adding to the overall tone of respectful awe. Back matter includes author's and illustrator's notes, plus further reading suggestions. This slim selection serves well as introductory or supplemental material and should find a wide, enthusiastic audience.