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Deadly Shadow of Vesuvius
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Ideas from Teachers
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(Gr. 6)
I will be teaching landforms in science this year and I think that there are a few clips I could use from NOVA's "Deadly Shadow of Vesuvius"
program. There is definitely a career-in-volcanology aspect; the scientific method at work, and some good graphics of a volcano at work that would be of interest to the class. I like the Where on Earth
printable activity in the teacher's guide, and can see myself using it with my students. I especially like the Internet links provided. Sent in by
Daniel Reidy
Moultonborough Central School
Moultonborough, NH 
(Gr. 7)
We will be studying the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helen's and I will use NOVA's "Deadly Shadow of Vesuvius"
program predominantly as a source for comparison, although we will certainly also discuss the sections which pertain to ongoing monitoring of a volcanic site. (I just read in the Seattle newspaper that there were fewer earthquakes this July—1998—on St. Helen's than last July, 325 instead of 450. I think this would be an incredible bit of information for students; it certainly seemed a large number to me.) I will probably show it in class and do some judicious fast forwarding to make it fit into a 45-minute period. Sent in by
Adam Rabinowitz
Woodward Middle School
Bainbridge Island, WA
(Gr. 7-10)
I have created a Web site to share ideas, demonstrations, activities with Earth science teachers. It is at: http://rodneyscience.freeyellow.com/ Editor's note: Under the "Cool Earth Science Stuff" link on this page is a lesson plan titled, "How Do Volcanoes Cause Death and/or Destruction?" Sent in by
Rod Benson
Helena High School
Helena, MT
(Gr. 8)
Many students have little or no experience with volcanoes, or even earthquakes, so NOVA's "Deadly Shadow of Vesuvius"
program can provide an excellent visual background to these students. It can also be used with an integrated unit at the middle level. Combining the history/geography of the region with the writing of the journals and the excellent earth science all contribute to an excellent theme. Another excellent connection is preparation for disasters, from why fire drills to emergency preparedness are necessary in places like California where cities are vulnerable to the quakes. California has a state earthquake drill program in their schools; kids in Michigan never have earthquake drills, but tornado drills are required. Why not have the kids research the drills held in other schools? Maybe by writing to the schools or on the Internet. Better yet, set up some online chats. If used in the earlier grades, it is important that students have some background in terms, etc. before viewing the program. At these grade levels, playing and stopping the program will be most effective. Sent in by
Dale Rosene
Marshall Middle School
Marshall, MI
(Gr. 9-12)
My students in Latin I and II are viewing NOVA's "Deadly Shadow of Vesuvius"
program as a follow up to reading about Pompeii in the civilization units in their texts. The Latin III and IV students have read or will read the letters of Pliny the Younger about the eruption. Younger students will discuss this program relating it to their reading. The older students will discuss the ties with Pliny's description, especially his description of the debris fall, ash clouds, etc. They will compare this with the scientists estimations and discoveries. Editor's note: To read more about this idea, see Featured Teachers. Sent in by
Nick Young
University of Detroit Jesuit High
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