In AD 79, the only active volcano on the European mainland, Mt Vesuvius, erupted, killing around 2000 people and burying the city of Pompeii under a sea of ash and mud.

Mt Vesuvius erupted in 1639 killing 3000 people and destroying 5 towns. It erupted violently again in 1794 and 1906 with smaller eruptions more recently.

So it is not a question of IF Mt Vesuvius will erupt again, it is just a question of WHEN it will erupt and WHAT damage will it cause?

But people still choose to live near volcanoes despite the risk. Why?

What can people who live near a volcano do to prepare for the worst?

And can we tell how dangerous a volcano is or even predict when it is going to erupt again? Would you live near a volcano?

In groups of three you and your team mates will take on these roles:

• a citizen of Pompeii
• a volcanologist (a scientist who studies volcanoes)
• a government official

Team members will research answers to the following questions:

• Citizens - Why do you choose to live near a volcano?
• Volcanologists - How do we know if volcanoes are active, dormant or extinct?
• Government Officials - How do you plan to evacuate people quickly and safely?

Finally, each team will present its findings using Publisher and share its opinion with the class in an oral report which focuses on the big question 'Would you live near a volcano?'

By the time we do this Webquest we will already have learned a fair bit about volcanoes using our volcanoes learning object and lessons in class.

We have also looked at some general websites about volcanoes from our Intranet. Here are some of them:

Volcano World
Volcano World (Kids' Door)
Learner.org Volcanoes
Enchanted Learning Volcano
Pompeii: Unravelling Ancient Mysteries
Volcano Frequently Asked Questions
Volcano Live

Using our time in the Library, Computer Room and Classroom we will be searching for information to answer the questions that we decided on in class.

In this Webquest each group's team members has a different section to visit. After finding out the information from your section you will:

• learn how to use Publisher to present your findings.
• meet as a group to discuss the big question 'Would you live near a volcano?' Present your findings as a Team Role-Play.

Each group will present its opinion about the big question to the class. To do this each group member will need to use the information they gathered in researching their role, either a citizen, volcanologist or government official.

So, let's get started!

If you are a citizen click HERE.

If you are a volcanologist click HERE.

If you are a government official click HERE.

Student learning will be evaluated through class discussions, the completed Publisher presentation and understandings demonstrated through the team role play. The focus will be on how well the students present their findings and opinions based on the research undertaken as part of their role. That is, how well they express the point of view of their given role.

Living in the shadow of a volcano is dangerous, but as you have found out, there are many people who regard this as a normal part of their everyday lives. In fact, they could argue that living near a volcano can have its good side too! Not only that but with modern science and technology we are better able to predict and prepare for a volcanic eruption. We haven't yet worked out how to prevent an eruption but we can take a few steps to make sure that people who live near a volcano are well-prepared and safe.

All photographs and artwork (c) Brad Edwards / The Hippo Helper.