This 3-page 4th grade science worksheet compares shield, composite and cinder cone volcanoes. Students build a chart with four rows (shape, size, how it erupts and an example) from a bank of twelve facts, including Mauna Loa in Hawaii, Mount St. Helens in Washington and Parícutin in Mexico. Page 2 shows three side-view outlines to name from a word bank. The last page is the answer key, with the full chart and the three names.
“Compare the shape, size and eruption style of shield, composite and cinder cone volcanoes.”
The chart on page 1 covers all three features, plus a named example of each.
“Match a volcano type to its side-view outline.”
Page 2 gives three outlines and asks for the type under each.
Students write each fact from the bank into a chart with three columns and four rows. The columns are shield, composite and cinder cone. The rows are shape, size, how it erupts and example.
Three side-view outlines are labeled wide and low, tall and cone-shaped, and small and steep with a crater. Students write the volcano type under each one from a three-word bank.
The completed chart, with all twelve facts in place, and the three outline names.
After the first volcano lesson
Hand out the chart once students have met all three types. Twelve facts fill twelve boxes, so students can finish the last few by elimination.
Pair talk
Let pairs argue over very large and can be very tall before they write anything. It is a good way to separate how wide a volcano is from how high it is.
Map follow-up
Once the chart is checked, find Hawaii, Washington and Mexico on a wall map. Students mark each example volcano and say which type it is.
Get started today
