Topic: Natural Landscapes

Setting: New Zealand (Taupo Volcanic Zone)

Focusing Questions:

What are the natural elements that make up this Natural Landscape?
What processes give rise to these particular landforms?
Why do these natural landscapes vary from place to place?
How do natural landscapes evolve through time?
In what ways does human activity affect natural landscapes

Programme Snapshot:

Hells Gate:
Lesson Focus and sequence:

Lecture
History of Hells Gate's volcanic beginnings through to
developments of today. Taupo Volcanic Zone, Rotorua Caldera, Okataina Volcanic Centre, magma/ lava variations & composition, history of eruptions within this region, short & long term effects on the landscape and the people.

Guided Tour of the Valley

Investigate the natural elements of this unique landscape and how it has evolved over time. Introduction and overview of volcanic processes from plate tectonic theory through to a sharp focus on the processes that have formed the geothermal valley. Valley Tour - and task sheet, which focuses on the identification of different geothermal and volcanic processes contained within the valley, the different types of rocks and how they were formed, the uniqueness of geothermal muds.

Optional Extra- Followed by supervised Ph and temperature testing of thermal pools to gain an understanding of the numerous processes an their differing results in a volcanic context. (extra 1 hr)

Read more about our other Secondary School Programmes;
>Earth Science
>Chemistry
>Tourism