Inside a Volcano

Science · Volcanoes & Earthquakes · ages 7-9

Name ______________________ Date ____________

What do we call melted rock once it reaches the surface?
- Magma
- Lava
- Steam
What do we call melted rock while it is still underground?
- Lava
- Magma
- Ash
Magma and lava are two different kinds of rock.
Circle one: True False
Magma comes out through a small opening in the floor of a crater. What is that opening called?
- Crater
- Vent
- Magma chamber
Which part of a volcano is the underground storage area where magma collects?
- Vent
- Magma chamber
- Crater
In this example, magma leaves a vent inside a bowl-shaped hollow at the top of a volcano. What is the hollow called?
- Crater
- Magma chamber
- Underground
Magma finds a new path through a volcano's side and erupts there. Which label belongs on the new surface opening?
- Magma chamber
- Crater
- Vent
Maya says, 'Lava is found underground, and magma is found above ground.' What mistake did she make?
- She swapped the two words: magma is underground, lava is above ground
- She is completely correct
- Magma and lava are found in the same place

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Lava · Once melted rock reaches the surface, it gets a new name: lava.
Magma · Underground, hot melted rock is called magma.
False · Magma and lava describe melted rock in different locations. They do not name two separate rock types. Gas can still escape as magma rises.
Vent · The exit opening is a vent. The crater is the larger bowl-shaped hollow around it.
Magma chamber · A magma chamber is an underground storage area. Magma can collect there before moving toward a vent.
Crater · The bowl-shaped hollow is a crater. The vent is the opening through which magma reaches the surface.
Vent · The opening is a vent, even on a volcano's side. Magma chambers store magma underground, while craters are hollows that may surround vents.
She swapped the two words: magma is underground, lava is above ground · It's the opposite. Magma stays underground until it erupts and becomes lava on the surface.