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**Title**: Jr. Geologist

**Goals**: The students will be able to use mapping skills to draw
conclusions about Capulin Volcano. The students will be able to use
their field books as a source of information for a report.

**Objectives:** The student will be able to

1)  determine why the crater rim is uneven

2)  write the history of Capulin Volcano

3)  describe their experience at Capulin as a geologist would

**Materials Needed**:

**Activity One**:

Oaktag

Glue

Magazines/brochures

Field guide copies

**Activity Two**:

Field guide

**Background Instructions**:

When geologists venture out into the field, one of the items they always
carry with them is a field book. In a field guide, a geologist will
sketch a formation, and write detailed information on its contents. Such
observations are described by size, shape, texture, smell, color,
orientation, and even taste. This allows them to make observational
notes of the formation they are studying to take back to the lab for
further investigation, rather than trying to remember information stored
in their heads.

**Activity**:

Presite

-   This is the actual construction of the field guide. It can be done
    with the art teacher if desired.

-   The contents of the Jr. Geologist book can be found in the following
    pages. Before constructing the booklet with the students, make
    enough copies so that each student will be able to participate in
    this activity.

-   First the book cover will be cut out. Using oaktag (or other heavy
    paper), cut a 6'' by 9'' rectangle and fold it in half. (The cover
    may be collaged now or after the book is constructed depending on
    teacher preference.)

-   Have the students cut ONLY along the dotted horizontal line. Then
    set page one face up on top of the oaktag rectangle, followed by
    page 2 (face up), page 3 (face up), and finally page 4/5 (this will
    be the middle page in the booklet).

-   Fold all pages and cover along solid line and staple twice along the
    creased line. The cover can be collaged now if it isn't already.

-   The book is ready.

Onsite

-   The activities in the Jr. Geologist book can be done while at the
    park and in conjunction with other activities.

-   See attached answer sheet for objective activities.

Postsite

-   Below is a list of possible activities that use the Jr. Geologist
    booklet as a primary source of information. The teacher may make up
    other activities if desired.

-   Pretend you are a piece of magma and tell a story of going through
    the volcano building cycle.

-   Write a geologist report of what you saw at Capulin and draw
    conclusions from it (cinder cone, bombs....)

-   Create your own volcano and include all of the components and a
    cross section.

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  ------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
  Directions: Listen to the ranger talk and   Special Journal
  fill in the                                 

  blanks with the appropriate answer.         Directions: Think of a special
                                              place or event that

                                              happened during your trip to
                                              Capulin, and write about it

  1.Capulin erupted \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ thousand using the remaining space of your
  years ago.                                  field book.

                                              

  2.The eruption lasted between \_\_\_\_\_\_  
  and \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ years.                 

                                              

  3\. When you shake a soda bottle and open   
  it, it                                      

  \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_,   
  just like the eruption of Capulin.          

                                              

  4\. The \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, or        
  spanish word for mouth, is where            

  three if the four lava flows flowed from.   

                                              

  5\. The lava flowed like cool               
  \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.     

                                              

  6\. Capulin is an example of a              
  \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_                    
  \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_                        

  volcano.                                    

                                              

  7\. Sierra Grande is a                      
  \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ volcano. 

                                              

                                              

                                              

  Directions: Sketch trees in the diagram      
  below as                                    

  they appear in the real crater and answer    
  the questions                               

  using the compass.                          

                                              

  E                                           

  **N** W                                     

                                              

  S                                           

                                              

                                              

                                              

                                              

                                              

  1\. What side of the crater has the most    
  vegetation? \_\_\_\_\_\_\_                  

  2\. What side of the crater is the tallest? 
  \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_                  

  3\. Which direction was the wind blowing    
  from when Capulin                           

  erupted? \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 

  4\. How can you tell?                       

                                              

                                              

                                              

                                              

                                              

                                              

                                              

                                              

                                              

                                              

  **Lava Flows**                               

  Directions: Using the map scale and compass  
  draw in, to                                 

  the best of your ability, all four lava      
  flows and label them!                       

  1\. The first lava flow flowed to the south  
  east one mile from                          

  the base of Capulin                          

  2\. The next lava flow came from the south   
  end of the boca,                            

  and flowed south for about 2 and a half      
  miles.                                      

  3\. The third lava flow also came from the   
  boca and flowed                             

  all over the west and has a width of about   
  a mile.                                     

  4\. The final lava flow went about four      
  miles from the boca to                      

  the north.                                  

                                               

                                              

                                              

                                              

                                              

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                               

  **Observations**                             

  Directions: Look at some of the geology and  
  biology of                                  

  Capulin. Pick some rocks or plants and       
  describe them in                            

  the next two pages of your field book, so    
  that someone                                

  would be able to read thisand get a clear    
  picture of what you                         

  saw. Some good methods to describe things    
  are by size,                                

  shape, color, texture, and of course, to     
  draw it.                                    

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                               

                                              
  ------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------

**Title:** Interview the Volcano

**Goals:** The students will develop their observational skills. They
will be able to relate the meaning of their object to Capulin Volcano.

**Objectives:** The student will be able to

1)  create a story about an object they find on the volcano

2)  incorporate their story and object into the story of Capulin Volcano

**Materials Needed:**

Activity Sheet

Clipboard

**Background Information:**

> Every single object on the volcano, from the smallest rock to the
> largest wayside sign, tells a story about the volcano. It is our hope
> that through this activity, the students will begin to understand the
> story of the volcano and begin to appreciate it for everything that it
> is.

**Activity:**

Pre-visit:

> Using an object that can be found in the classroom, like a pencil or a
> book, have a discussion with your students about how that object can
> tell you a story. You may want to compile a list of question on the
> chalk board. Ask the object the questions from the board and write the
> answers on the board. What is that object\'s story?
>
> Explain to the students that when you arrive at Capulin Volcano, they
> will need to find a quiet area along any of the three trails (rim
> trail, vent trail, and nature trail) in the park and, staying on the
> trails, find an object that they think will tell them a story about
> the volcano. They will then fill out the activity sheet that you will
> provide.

On-site:

> Remind the students that they must stay on the trails. Also remind
> them that there is to be [NO]{.underline} [collecting]{.underline} of
> any kind. You will want to group them with an adult and then have the
> adult find an area along the trail. Hand out the activity sheet and
> clipboard (if possible). They should only need about ten to fifteen
> minutes to do the actual activity.

Post-site:

Have the students share with the class what their objects story was.

**Topics of discussion:**

**How do the objects that you found relate to the story of the
volcano?**

**Why are the stories so important?**

**Compare and contrast the students objects.**

Have the students write a creative story about their object.

**Assessment:**

> The satisfactory completion of the activity will indicate the extent
> to which each student understands the concept that objects can tell us
> a story. The post-site discussion will reinforce the concept.

# **[Interview the Volcano]{.underline}**

There are many things on the volcano that can tell you a story. Find a
quiet area along the rim trail or the vent trail. Look around you. What
do you see? What is the most interesting thing in the area where you are
sitting? Look closely at it. Feel it. Smell it. Listen to it. If it's a
rock, feel free to pick it up, but make sure you put it back where you
found it. What's its story?

What is your object?
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

What color is it?
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Is it big or small?
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

What does it feel like?
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Is it rough or soft?
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

What does it smell like?
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

How do you think it got on the volcano?
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Does it say anything?
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

What is its story?
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Why is it an important part of the volcano?
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Why do you need to leave it where you found it?
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Draw a picture of your object:

**Title:** Scavenger Hunt

**Goals:** The students will be able to identify a variety of plants and
animals that can be found in and around the volcano.

**Objectives:** The student will be able to

1)  identify items found on the volcano

2)  relate the flora and fauna of the volcano to the landscape it lies
    within

**Materials Needed:**

Scavenger Hunt activity sheet

Clipboard

Pencil

**Background Information:**

Capulin (cah-poo-LEEN) is a Spanish word, meaning chokecherry.
Chokecherry bushes can be found in and around the crater, of which
Capulin is named. Because of the encroachment of the Pinion and Juniper
trees, however, the number of chokecherry bushes have diminished over
the years. In addition to the Pinion and Juniper forest, many trees and
plants can be found on the volcano.

> There are many animals that call Capulin home. A wide variety of birds
> can be found soaring around the volcano. Mule deer can be seen in the
> morning, while the bull snake can be found sunning itself on the
> hottest bit of pavement. The ladybugs, a summer native of Capulin,
> rarely leave the highest point of the volcano. The Juniper trees
> provide these fascinating bugs with shelter and food.
>
> From the smallest bug to the tallest tree, Capulin Volcano provides a
> unique habitat that can be seen from either up close or from far away.
> We think it is best to see it up close, and hope that this activity
> provides your students with the opportunity to view nature at its
> finest.

**Activity:**

> \*This activity will be done throughout your visit to the volcano and
> can be done in conjunction with other activities.

1.  Hand out a copy of the ABC activity sheet to each students. If you
    have the students in groups, you may want to hand out one copy to
    each group.

2.  Read the directions to the students. This can be found on the top of
    the activity sheet.

3.  **Reinforce that this is a [non-collecting]{.underline} scavenger
    hunt.** All they need to do is write down the names of things they
    see for each letter of the alphabet.

4.  Challenge them to try to fill in every letter of the alphabet.

5.  When you return to the classroom, you will want to have a group
    discussion on habitats and how the flora and fauna of the volcano
    impact one another.

**Assessment:**

Assessment will be based on the successful, and correct, completion of
the activity sheet.

# **[Alphabet Scavenger Hunt]{.underline}**

For this activity, you must find at least one item for each letter of
the alphabet. Some items, which can be found in the park, fall into many
different categories. For example the pinyon pine can be listed under
**P**. It can also be listed under **T** for tree. Be creative, but
realistic. This is a non-collecting scavenger hunt.

A: O:

B: P:

C: Q:

D: R:

E: S:

F: T:

G: U:

H: V:

I: W:

J: X:

K: Y:

L: Z:

M:

N:

**Title:** True/False VC

**Goal:** The students will improve their reading and evaluative skills.

**Objectives:** The student will be able to

1\) answer questions with information provided in the visitor center

**Materials Needed:**

True/False VC worksheet

Clipboard

Pencil

**Background Information:**

> Visitor's centers hold a wealth of information, it's just a matter of
> finding it. This activity will give the students an opportunity to
> explore the visitor's center, while giving them an opportunity to
> learn a few things about the park and the surrounding area.

**Activity:**

\*This lesson will take as much time as you would like to give the
students.

> \*Before you arrive at the visitor's center, give each student a copy
> of the True/False VC worksheet. Read the directions to the students,
> making sure everyone understands the task.
>
> \*You can do this activity before or after you watch the video.

**Assessment:**

-   Successful completion of the True/False VC worksheet.

-   (You will find the answers in the answer sheet section.)

For this activity, you will have to determine if the statements below
are true or false. Taking this sheet with you, walk around the visitor
center. All of the answers can be found in the visitor center.

\_\_\_\_Capulin Volcano National Monument was established on August 10,
1961.

\_\_\_\_The American and New Mexico flags are located in the visitors
center.

\_\_\_\_According to the display, a rapid cover of plant stabilized
Capulin\'s loose ash and cinders, preserving its steep slopes.

\_\_\_\_The two pictures that show Capulin span over a seventy-six year
period.

\_\_\_\_There are four gold plates on the plaque on the wall next to the
video room door.

\_\_\_\_The spear points in the \'Capulin influences man\' display are
the original points that scientists found in 1926.

\_\_\_\_The first accepted evidence of Ice Age man in North America was
discovered near Folsom, New Mexico, in 1926.

\_\_\_\_Food and drinks are allowed in the visitors center.

\_\_\_\_Spindle bombs form as molten basalt twists in mid-air and
hardens.

\_\_\_\_Ribbon bombs form from fluid lava that stretches and twists.

\_\_\_\_Geologists have extensive evidence indicating that the Earth\'s
crust is made up of rigid rocks \'sinking\' and drifting on hot, plastic
layers below.

\_\_\_\_Monopoly makes a National Parks Edition.

\_\_\_\_You can touch the objects on the \"Please Touch\" table.

\_\_\_\_The rangers at Capulin Volcano always have a smile on their
faces.

**Challenge:** Using the information in the visitors center, make up
your own true or false statements. Road them to a classmate and see if
they can find the correct answer.