In this Geography video, pupils are introduced to one of Europe’s most famous volcanoes, Mount Etna, and the impact of its dramatic 1669 eruption. They learn where the volcano is located, how scientists monitor it today and what made the eruption so dangerous.

Through this powerful story, the children discover how lava flows destroyed villages, caused panic across cities, and led to new laws on diverting lava. The heroic actions of Diego and his team are explored alongside the tragic consequences of the eruption. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on the risks and rewards of living near a volcano and consider the possible positives in the concluding discussion.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Earth systems videos and helps children contextualise their knowledge of volcanoes through real-world human geography.

See more of our Year 3 and Year 4 Geography scheme of work.

• Geography, Year 3, Why do people live near volcanoes? Lesson 4: What are the effects of a volcanic eruption?
• Geography, Year 3, Why do people live near volcanoes?
• Geography, Y3/4 (A), Why do people live near volcanoes? Y3/4 (A): Lesson 4: What are the effects of a volcanic eruption?
• Geography, Y3/4 (A), Why do people live near volcanoes?