"Fire of Love" Volcanoes Documentary Worksheet - National Geographic/Disney+

This National Geographic documentary/biography is a must-see for any students learning about Volcanoes, Geology, Earth Science, or the Rock Cycle. My whole career I have looked for a media resource to help my students be inspired by and make connections to Volcanoes, but Bill Nye and 5-minute clips on YouTube just don't do the majesty of these mountain-makers justice. It also discusses different types of volcanoes from all over the world helping students to broaden their horizons beyond SW Washington and Hawaii as locations of volcanic activity. Additionally having our students see international scientists at work as leaders in their fields is important as this is real-world scenario that many students in middle and high school aren't exposed to.

This film is epic in the photography captured and the love triangle of these scientists and their beloved volcanoes brings emotion and life to a subject that often puts students to sleep. As is common for pioneers in a scientific field, the ending isn't one you would find in a traditional Disney film and therefore I recommend only sharing it with students ages 13 & up (Grades 7-12). Miranda July's narration is both easy to listen to and captivating.

The worksheet is straightforward and designed for students to record specific information and ideas shared throughout the documentary. The questions are listed in order and an answer key is provided. To save paper, a 2-page version is also provided where all 4 pages are printed onto 2 pages so you can minimize your photocopying and stapling. If you have students with visual impairments or reading accommodations, I recommend printing the 4-page version for them. Shared here in PDF and docx formats in case you want to customize it to the learning you are doing in your classroom.

Available on several platforms, I stream it through Disney+. I recommend pausing as necessary throughout the presentation to allow students to record their answers, fill in any gaps they missed, and discuss the science and emotions behind this incredible film.