Earth's Inner Secrets

Marina Moo

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Core to Crust Expedition Plan

Students will be able to identify and describe the four main layers of the Earth (crust, mantle, outer core, inner core) and explain how their properties contribute to geological phenomena.

Understanding Earth's layers helps us comprehend earthquakes, volcanoes, and the formation of continents, connecting classroom learning to real-world events.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

55 minutes

Approach

Interactive presentation, collaborative modeling, and knowledge assessment.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Layers of the Earth Unpacked, Earth Layer Model Challenge, Various materials for models (play-doh, clay, fruit, etc.), and Inner Earth Knowledge Check

Prep

Teacher Preparation

20 minutes

Review the Layers of the Earth Unpacked slide deck and familiarise yourself with the content.
- Gather materials for the Earth Layer Model Challenge (e.g., play-doh, different colored clays, or even a large apple/onion for a demonstration).
- Print copies of the Inner Earth Knowledge Check quiz if administering on paper.
- Ensure projector/whiteboard is set up and working for the slide deck presentation.
- Review all generated materials as needed.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Earth's Mysteries (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Begin by asking students: "What do you think is inside our Earth?" or "If you could dig a hole straight through the Earth, what would you see?"
* Allow 2-3 students to share their initial thoughts and predictions.
* Introduce the lesson by stating that today we will be embarking on an expedition to uncover Earth's inner secrets.

Step 2

Exploring Earth's Layers (20 minutes)

20 minutes

Present the Layers of the Earth Unpacked slide deck.
* Go through each slide, explaining the characteristics of the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.
* Encourage questions and facilitate short discussions on each layer.
* Use visuals on the slides to help students conceptualize the scale and properties of each layer.

Step 3

Earth Layer Model Challenge (20 minutes)

20 minutes

Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
* Distribute materials for the Earth Layer Model Challenge.
* Explain the instructions for the activity: each group will create a 3D model of the Earth's layers, labeling each layer and including a brief description of its key features.
* Circulate among groups, providing guidance and answering questions.
* Encourage creativity and collaboration.

Step 4

Share and Discuss Models (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Have each group briefly present their Earth layer model to the class, highlighting one interesting fact about a layer.
* Facilitate a brief class discussion about the similarities and differences in the models, reinforcing the concepts learned.

Step 5

Cool Down: Inner Earth Knowledge Check (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Distribute the Inner Earth Knowledge Check quiz.
* Instruct students to complete the quiz individually to assess their understanding of Earth's layers.
* Collect quizzes as an exit ticket or for review in the next class.

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Slide Deck

Earth's Inner Secrets: What Lies Beneath?

Have you ever wondered what's beneath your feet?

Our planet isn't just a solid rock!
It has layers, just like an onion.
Today, we're going on a journey to explore these mysterious layers!

Welcome students and get them thinking about what's inside Earth. This slide introduces the topic and piques their curiosity. Ask, "What do you imagine is inside the Earth? Why do you think that?" Listen to a few student ideas.

Meet the Layers: Core to Crust

Our Earth has four main layers:

Crust: The thin, outermost layer.
Mantle: A thick layer of hot, solid rock.
Outer Core: Liquid metal.
Inner Core: Solid metal at the very center.

Let's dig in!

Introduce the four main layers. Emphasize that we'll be going from the outside (crust) to the very center (inner core). Briefly mention the relative thickness of each layer to give a sense of scale.

The Crust: Our Home Layer

The Earth's "Skin"

Thinnest layer (like an apple skin!)
Made of solid rock.
Two types: Continental crust (land) and Oceanic crust (under oceans).
Where tectonic plates are found (they move!)

Think about it: What geological events happen on the crust?

Focus on the crust. Explain its composition and how it's where we live. Mention tectonic plates briefly as an important concept related to the crust.

The Mantle: Earth's Moving Layer

A Thick, Flowing Blanket

Thickest layer (about 2,900 km or 1,800 miles deep).
Made of very hot, dense rock.
It's mostly solid, but it can flow very slowly like thick tar.
Convection currents here drive the movement of tectonic plates.

Discuss the mantle. Highlight its semi-solid, flowing nature due to heat and pressure. Explain convection currents and their role in plate tectonics.

The Outer Core: A Sea of Liquid Metal

Earth's Fiery Liquid Heart

About 2,200 km (1,400 miles) thick.
Made mostly of liquid iron and nickel.
Extremely hot (4,400°C to 6,100°C / 8,000°F to 11,000°F).
Its movement creates Earth's magnetic field (our protective shield!).

Explain the outer core. Key points are its liquid state and composition. Introduce the idea of Earth's magnetic field being generated here.

The Inner Core: Earth's Solid Center

A Solid Metal Ball

About 1,220 km (760 miles) thick.
Made of solid iron and nickel.
Even hotter than the outer core (up to 5,500°C / 9,900°F) – as hot as the surface of the sun!
It's solid because of the incredible pressure from all the layers above it.

Detail the inner core. Emphasize its solid state despite extreme temperatures due to immense pressure. Discuss its temperature relative to the sun's surface.

Putting It All Together: A Dynamic Earth

Each layer plays a crucial role!

Crust: Where life exists, broken into moving plates.
Mantle: Convection drives plate movement.
Outer Core: Liquid, generates magnetic field.
Inner Core: Solid, extremely hot, under immense pressure.

These layers are constantly interacting, shaping our planet!

Summarize the layers and their key characteristics. Prepare students for the activity by reminding them how the layers interact to make Earth dynamic. Transition to the modeling activity.

Your Mission: Model Earth's Layers!

Get ready to get creative!

In your groups, you will build a 3D model of Earth's layers.
Be sure to:
- Show all four layers clearly.
- Label each layer.
- Include one key fact for each layer.

Good luck, geologists!

Introduce the activity. Remind students to refer back to the information learned. Explain expectations for the model and the challenge itself.

Activity

Earth Layer Model Challenge

Objective: To create a 3D model representing the four main layers of the Earth: Crust, Mantle, Outer Core, and Inner Core.

Materials:

Modeling clay, play-doh, or different colored construction paper/fabric scraps
Markers or labels
Scissors (if using paper/fabric)
Glue or tape (if using paper/fabric)
Worksheet for planning (optional)

Instructions:

Form Your Group: Work in teams of 3-4 students.
Plan Your Model: Discuss with your group how you will represent each layer. What colors will you use? How will you show their relative sizes? Consider the unique properties of each layer (solid, liquid, thick, thin).
Construct Your Model: Using your chosen materials, carefully construct your 3D model of Earth's layers. You might create a cross-section model or a whole spherical model that can be opened to reveal the layers.
- Crust: The outermost, thinnest layer.
- Mantle: The thickest layer, mostly solid but flowing.
- Outer Core: The liquid metallic layer.
- Inner Core: The solid, super-hot center.
Label Each Layer: Clearly label each layer of your model. You can write directly on the model or create small flags/labels.
Add Key Facts: For each layer, write down one important fact or characteristic next to its label. This could be about its composition, state of matter, or temperature.
Prepare for Presentation: As a group, prepare a short (1-2 minute) presentation to share your model with the class. Each group member should be ready to explain something about one of the layers.

Group Reflection Questions:

What was the most challenging part of creating your model?
What did you learn about Earth's layers by building this model?
If you could add one more detail to your model, what would it be and why?

Quiz

Inner Earth Knowledge Check