Lesson 4 - The Layers of The Earth
Lesson 4 - The Layers of The Earth
Key Concepts:
1. Crust:
○ Thin, outermost layer where we live.
○ Composed of solid rocks and minerals.
2. Mantle:
○ Thick layer of semi-solid rock.
○ Convection currents in the mantle drive tectonic plate movement.
3. Outer Core:
○ Made of liquid iron and nickel.
○ Responsible for Earth’s magnetic field.
4. Inner Core:
○ Solid iron and nickel.
○ Extremely hot and under immense pressure.
Why It Matters:
Understanding Earth’s layers helps us study phenomena like earthquakes, volcanoes, and plate
tectonics.
Activities:
1. Model Construction: Build a layered Earth model using clay or paper mache, coloring
each layer differently.
2. Tectonic Plate Simulation: Use crackers and jelly to simulate how tectonic plates move
and create earthquakes.
Discussion Questions:
● How do scientists know about Earth's layers if they can't see them?
● What role does the mantle play in volcano formation?