Virtual Volcanoes and Earthquakes Workshop

A newsreader broadcasting about Volcano Town

Event information

Event type: Streamed workshop

Location: Streamed online via Zoom

Suitable for: Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11)

Capacity: One class (15 to 35 children)

This workshop is designed to be run from classrooms and is not currently bookable for pupils learning from home.

Duration: 45-60 minutes

Ticket prices: £10 for the session

Booking required by phone

Explore the exciting world of volcanoes and earthquakes and their effects on society in this interactive streamed show.

In Volcano Town, a smoking volcano is causing concern for the local residents, but the team of scientists sent to investigate have gone missing! Your pupils must step up as earth scientists in order to save the day. 

Your class will investigate geological forces from deep within the Earth using demonstrations that explore earthquakes and flowing lava. Developing their scientific thinking skills, will they be able to use their training to save Volcano Town from a deadly eruption?

Curriculum links: Science - Rocks, states of matter; Geography - Human and physical geography; Mathematics - Handling data

Session outline

In order to prepare for this challenge, our Science Educator will guide the class through their earth scientist training, split over three stages:

  • In Stage One we explore the structure of the earth, including tectonic plates and how their movements can lead to earthquakes. The class will create an earthquake of their own and draw conclusions from the resulting data. Through demonstrations, they will learn of the damage earthquakes can cause, how scientists record this data and the equipment they use.
  • In Stage Two the class will enter the fiery realm of effusive volcanoes, discovering eruptions and the differences between lava and magma. Through an eruptive experiment we will make predictions, take measurements, explore states of matter and learn how igneous rock is formed.
  • In Stage Three the class will discover the power of explosive eruptions and how they manifest. They will learn the clues and evidence scientists look for when identifying these types of volcanoes and the dangers they can pose.
  • In the final section of the show, the class must now step into the shoes of the missing scientist team and decide the fate of Volcano Town. They will use their newly gained knowledge to gather data and make predictions on the volcano in question. Will Volcano Town need to be evacuated? Only the class can decide!
  • FAQ

    What platform will the session be on?

    The session will run on Zoom.

    What technology will I need?

    Minimum requirements: 

    • Computer or other device that will allow you to connect to video conferencing software over the internet and be able to use the chat box function.
    • A large screen and speakers for the students to see and hear the session.

    Recommended requirements:

    • A webcam and microphone so the presenter can communicate directly with the class. If you don’t have these, we can still run the session with your class.

    What happens when I book a session?

    Please call 020 7942 5555  to book your session. Phone lines are open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.

    When we have received payment, we will send you a Teacher Pack which will contain all the information you will need for the session. 

    This will include:

    • Safeguarding information 
    • The link to join the session
    • A session outline
    • Materials to be printed and used during the session
    • Contact information if you have any questions

    Will be able to test the connection and technology before the session?

    Zoom users can conduct a test call by themselves at https://zoom.us/test if they wish to do so ahead of time.

    There is a 30-minute start time window for you to connect to the session, ask any questions and talk to the presenter before the show starts. A contact number will be provided in your confirmation email to contact us on the day of your session if you have any questions.

    How can the workshop be tailored for students with different access needs?

    Please inform us of any additional needs you might have when booking the show.

    For each session, the following will be included:

    • Closed captions can be used on Zoom.
    • We will have a headphone symbol on the screen to show when loud noises will occur.
    • Word banks will be sent as part of the Teacher Pack when the show is booked.

    Unfortunately, these sessions are not currently suitable for Home Educator groups or schools outside of the UK.

    How will the class ask questions?

    There will be time for questions at the end either written in the chat box or asked by the students via the webcam and microphone.

    What safeguarding measures are in place?

    • All our presenters have enhanced DBS checks.
    • There will only be your class present in the show.
    • A unique password protected link will be sent to you to join the session.
    • The teacher will remain in the room throughout the duration of the show.
    • For more details, please download our online safeguarding statement (PDF 117KB).

    What happens to my data?

    No videos or photos will be taken of the show. For more information please see our Privacy and Personal data policy.

    Contact us

    Please call our bookings team on 020 7942 5555 if you have any further questions.

Event dates and times

The workshop runs at 10.00am, 11.00am, and 1.30pm on the weekdays shown below. The duration is 45 - 60 minutes.

Jan 2025

no shows available

Feb 2025

no shows available

March 2025

4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 26, 27, 31

April 2025

2, 4, 28, 30

May 2025

2, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23

June 2025

2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 25, 27

July 2025

2, 4, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, 22

Call us to book

You can book this workshop for dates up to July 2025, during term time. You must book at least three weeks in advance.

This workshop is suitable for KS2. It costs £10.

To check available dates and to book, call our School Bookings Team on 020 7942 5000. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 09.00-17.00.

Once you've booked your workshop, you'll be sent a secure link to the video conferencing platform Zoom. Each workshop is live and is for just one class.

For safeguarding reasons, at least one teacher will need to be present with the class for the entirety of the workshop; they will also be required to type in pupils' responses, helping us to make the session as interactive as possible.


Booking checklist

When you call us to book, we’ll ask you for the following information:

  • Card details for payment
  • Date and time of your preferred workshop
  • Number of pupils and adults (Class size: between 15 to 35 children)
  • Address and postcode of your school, plus the country if it’s not in the UK
  • Name of group leader
  • Age range of students

Please be aware that the session must be paid by card in full at the time of booking. We do not accept BACS payments.