Discuss how McPhee uses historical dates and events to expand and develop a geological sense of time.

Compare and contrast attitudes about danger and survival residents of each area express.

Explain the motivation for well-informed and knowledgeable residents to put themselves and their families in the direct path of danger.

Compare and contrast the geological features of Hawaii and Iceland.

Explain how the water, lava and debris flows in each area affect resident life styles.

Discuss how the aboriginal residents of each area express a greater understanding and respect for nature than their modern counterparts.

Explain and evaluate McPhee's literary method of self-presence in each storyline.

Explain how Thorbjorn and Patton characterize actions of scientists and engineers.