Earth's Composition and Magnetic Field
Sixth grade students began their studies with Earth forming 4.6 billion years ago. Students are now learning about the layers of the Earth and the concept of the Earth as a magnet. Their knowledge will continue through the study of the movement of lithospheric plates and the effects of major geological events. They will study the formation and weathering of rocks and how different soil types are formed. Students will explore how we use Earth's materials and human impact on them. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the Earth through the exploration of Earth's history, the rock cycle, and phenomena that shape the Earth.
Describe the layers of the Earth as the crust (continental and dense oceanic), rocky (semi-solid) mantle, liquid outer core, and dense solid inner core made of iron and nickel.
Earth's Magnetic Field Terms to Understand
The Magnetic Field of Earth- Earth as a whole has a magnetic field that is detectable at the surface with a compass.
Students should understand the Earth acts as a magnet and compare the magnetic properties of the Earth to that of a natural or manufactured magnet.
Students should be able to explain how a compass works, using the magnetic field of
the Earth, and how a compass is used for navigation on land and sea.