Volcano Lava Flow Simulator

📋 Standards Alignment — K–5 Science ▼

This simulator aligns with earth science and natural hazards standards across multiple state frameworks. New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Michigan have all adopted the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) or closely aligned frameworks. Georgia uses its own Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) which parallel NGSS in Earth science scope and sequence.

NGSS — Next Generation Science Standards (adopted by NJ, NY, NC, MI and aligned by GA)
2-ESS1-1 — Use information from several sources to provide evidence that Earth events can occur quickly or slowly. (Volcanic eruptions as rapid Earth events)
4-ESS2-2 — Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth's features, including locations of volcanoes and earthquakes.
4-ESS3-2 — Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans. Assessment boundary includes volcanic eruptions.
5-ESS2-1 — Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.

🍑 Georgia — GSE Science

SKE1 — Describe time patterns of events that occur on Earth (K). Rapid vs. slow Earth changes.
S2E1 — Obtain, evaluate and communicate information about the effects of the sun on Earth's surface (Gr. 2).
S4E1 — Obtain, evaluate and communicate information about the nature of science as it relates to Earth's physical features and surface processes (Gr. 4). Includes volcanoes as constructive/destructive features.
S5E1 — Obtain, evaluate and communicate information to identify surface features on Earth caused by constructive and/or destructive processes. Volcanoes explicitly cited as examples (Gr. 5).
S5E1.c — Ask questions on how technology is used to limit/predict the impact of constructive and destructive processes. Connects to eruption monitoring and evacuation science.

🌀 New Jersey — NJSLS-S (NGSS aligned)

2-ESS1-1 — Earth events can occur quickly (volcanic eruptions) or slowly (erosion). Use multiple sources as evidence.
4-ESS2-2 — Patterns of Earth features: volcano and earthquake locations on maps, plate boundaries.
4-ESS3-2 — Reducing the impact of natural hazards including volcanic eruptions. Engineering and monitoring solutions.
ESS2.B — Plate tectonics: volcanoes occur in patterns along plate boundaries (DCI, Grades 3–5).
ESS3.B — Natural hazards: humans cannot eliminate hazards but can take steps to reduce their impact.

🗽 New York — NYSSLS (NGSS aligned)

2-ESS1-1 — Evidence that Earth events occur quickly or slowly; volcanic eruptions as primary example.
4-ESS2-2 — Analyzing and interpreting data on Earth's features including volcano distribution patterns.
4-ESS3-2 — Solutions to reduce impact of natural Earth processes. Volcanic eruptions within assessment boundary.
NY Standard 2 — Earth Science: Identify events such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that cause Earth movements (NYCDOE Scope and Sequence, Gr. 5).
ESS3.B — Natural hazards result from natural processes; humans can reduce but not eliminate impacts.

🌲 North Carolina — NCES (NGSS aligned)

2.E.2.1 — Summarize how energy from the sun affects Earth (Gr. 2). Connects to geothermal and volcanic heat.
4-ESS2-2 — Patterns of Earth features: maps of volcano and earthquake locations; plate tectonics patterns.
4-ESS3-2 — Natural hazards; generating solutions to reduce impact of volcanic eruptions and other Earth processes.
5.E.1 — Explain how the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere interact to affect Earth's systems (Gr. 5).
ESS2.B / ESS3.B — Plate tectonics and natural hazards DCIs, including volcanic activity and community safety.

🏔️ Michigan — MSEL (NGSS aligned)

2-ESS1-1 — Evidence that Earth events can occur quickly or slowly; volcanic eruptions as rapid-change examples.
4-ESS2-2 — Analyze and interpret data on patterns of Earth's features including volcanoes and plate boundaries.
4-ESS3-2 — Generate and compare solutions to reduce impacts of natural Earth processes on humans, including eruptions.
ESS2.B — Plate tectonics and large-scale system interactions: volcanoes occur in patterns along boundaries.
ESS3.B — Natural hazards: variety of hazards result from natural processes; steps to reduce impact (Gr. 3–5 DCI).

Science practices addressed: Developing and using models (SEP-2) • Analyzing and interpreting data (SEP-4) • Constructing explanations (SEP-6) • Engaging in argument from evidence (SEP-7). Cross-cutting concepts: Patterns • Cause and Effect • Scale, Proportion, and Quantity • Systems and System Models.

🌋 Volcano Lava Flow Simulator