Earth Layers

How did the formation of the Earth influence it's structure?

Learning Goals

Level 2: Knows the layers of the Earth (crust, mantle, outer core, inner core). Knows the terms molten and solid.

Level 3: Understands the characteristics of the layers of the Earth (physical state, composition, temperature, thickness) and why they are different.

1. The Formation of the Earth

Learning Target: I can illustrate and explain how the Earth formed and why there are now layers.

Procedure: Watch the following videos on scientific theories behind how the Earth formed AND Read the first section of the following website How the Earth Layers Were Formed

Second Video: Formation of the Earth

Evidence: Draw a diagram to explain the process of how Earth formed and WHY there are now layers inside Earth.

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2. EARTH LAYERS

Learning Target: I can identify and label the four layers of the Earth.

Procedure: Visit the following interactive website to learn more about the major layers of the Earth and their characteristics. WEBSITE--->Inside the Earth Interactive (printed copies available)

Evidence: Label the diagram of Earth.

Study and take the test on Earth Layers Quizlet

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3. Earth Layers Characteristics

Learning Target: I can illustrate how the Earth layers are different because of their characteristics.

Evidence: Using the following websites and videos, complete the comparison matrix.

Websites: Inside the Earth Interactive

Video: Khan Academy: Structure of the Earth

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5. Earth Layers Quiz

Once you have completed the assessments and earned at least a 3 on all, you may take the Quiz.

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6. LEVEL 4 RESEARCH PROJECT

BACKGROUND: The formation of our Earth has been extensively researched by scientists. The Earth is thought to be between 4 and 5 billion years old, fairly young for a planet. Scientists have made theories about how the Earth originally formed based on data and projected maps of the interior of the Earth. Why does our earth have layers and what evidence supports these scientific theories?

LEARNING GOAL: Investigate how scientists discovered the structure of the Earth and research why there are different layers. (What evidence supports the scientific claims?). Explain your findings.

CRITERIA:

Your product must include the following information:

A. Description of the different layers of the Earth including the characteristics of each layer (Level 3)

B. An explanation of the scientific theories of how the Earth formed. What processes occurred that resulted in the current structure?

C. An explanation of how we know there are layers in the Earth. What research and evidence shows this? How have scientists studied the layers?

CHOOSE YOUR PRODUCT:

1. Research Report (typed)

2. Keynote presentation or Comic Life

3. Other approved by Mrs. Ripa

RESOURCES for LEVEL 4:

Videos:

Discovery of the Earth's Core