Layers of the Earth

Template
layers_of_the_earth_template.pdf
File Size: 685 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Answer Key
layers_of_the_earth___answer_key.pdf
File Size: 576 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Materials
  • Layers of the Earth Template  
  • Scissors
  • Coloring Materials (Colored Pencils, crayons, paint, etc)
  • Glue
  • Pen or pencil
  • String
 
Activity Directions
  1. Watch the video linked below.
  2. Print out from the Layers of the Earth Template:
    1. 2 copies of the “Earth Diagram”
    2. 1 copy of the “Layers of the Earth Diagram”
  3. Cut out all 3 diagrams and the 5 small squares
  4. Color the 2 “Earth Diagrams”
  5. On the “Layers of the Earth Diagram”
    1. Label the 7 blank spaces with the correct layer of the earth (Note: Refer back to the video if you are confused.)
    2. Match and glue each of the 5 small squares to its correct Earth layer (Note: Some of the answers may not be straightforward; think critically and refer to the video if you need help. Before gluing the squares, check the Answer Key make sure you have all the correct answers )
    3. After checking your answers, color in the layers of the Earth as instructed:
      1. Inner Core: White
      2. Outer Core: Yellow
      3. Lower Mantle: Orange
      4. Upper Mantle: Red
      5. Crust: Green
  6. Fold all 3 diagrams in half so that the colored side is hidden and the blank side faces you
  7. Glue one blank half of each diagram to the blank half of the other until only the colored portion shows.
  8. Poke a hole on top using a sharp pencil or pen and loop a string through the hole, making sure to tie the string in a tight knot (Note: It can be dangerous to poke the hole! Ask a parent for help to make sure you do not hurt yourself).
  9. You are done! Ask a parent to hang up your “Layers of the Earth” Model on the ceiling of your room!
 
Discussion Questions
  1. Is the inner core mostly solid or liquid? What about the outer core? Why is there a difference when both are made from similar elements
    1. The inner core is mostly solid but the other core is mostly liquid. The solid state of the inner core is a result of the immense pressure present at this point in the Earth.
  2. What factors do you think are obstacles for scientists who want to dig a hole deep into the Earth? Why is it so hard to reach the center of the Earth?
    1. The temperature and pressure as you go deeper into the Earth reaches extremely high levels. Currently, we do not have the technology to create a machine or device that can withstand such a harsh environment.
Suggested Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k8qArKCovc
Published 6.19.2020

Author: Rupali Venkatesan