We can't dig a hole through the Earth, so how do we know about the layers beneath our feet? Scholars learn about layering through hands-on exploration of common materials. They study the characteristics of each layer and apply their findings to diagram the layers of the Earth.

Concepts

the earth's layers, the earth's crust, the lithosphere, the asthenosphere, the earth's mantle, the earth's outer core, earth's inner core

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Discuss another common model for the Earth—an egg, because the crust/shell is so thin compared to the other layers

Classroom Considerations

• Be aware of any allergies when selecting which candy bars to open
• Relies on prior knowledge of models, creating graphs, and Earth's interior

Pros

• Includes supplementary resources, including online interactives
• Follows 5E format
• Offers multiple evaluation methods

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.6.2 SL.7.2 SL.8.2 RST.6-8.3 RST.6-8.4