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What’s Below the Earth’s Surface?

What exists deep beneath our feet? Students will explore the layers of the Earth and create a model to display them.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Heavy Paper
  • Rocks

Steps

  • Step 1

    The Earth is made up of several layers. The crust, upper mantle, lower mantle, outer core, and inner core. Have students investigate the makeup of each. What is the lithosphere? What is the asthenosphere? How far down into the Earth have scientists been able to dig? What have their results shown us about life on Earth?

  • Step 2

    Take the class outside on a nice day. Ask each student to find a flat rock that could be drawn on to show the layers of the Earth. When they're back in the classroom have them use markers to draw the layers of the Earth on the rocks. Then ask them to create and cut out labels for the layers. They can use small pieces of Model Magic to hold the labels upright and affix them to the appropriate place on the rock.

  • Step 3

    Have students present their models and discuss some of the facts they learned about the layers of the Earth. 

Standards

SCI: Design pictorial or graphic representations/models that are useful in communicating ideas. 

SCI: Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information based on evidence.

Adaptations

In 1864, author Jules Verne wrote the science fiction novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth" which describes the adventures of two men trying to travel deep into the Earth. Have students create their own speculative story. How would they attempt to descend below the crust? What would they encounter? What questions would they attempt to answer? What lessons would they learn?

Invite a geologist to speak to the class, either in person or via video, about how scientists study the Earth and the insights their findings provide. Have students prepare questions in advance of the visit.