Download Layers of the Earth

Science Lesson Plan
Layers of the Earth
Grade Levels 4-5
Overview:
Objective:
Standards:
Materials:
Procedure:
The purpose of this lesson is to teach students about the four layers of the Earth:
crust, mantle, inner core, and outer core. Students will then construct a model of the
layers using Jello.
After learning about the layers of the Earth, students will compose a model of the
Earth, in which they will identify the four layers and include at least two informative
facts about each layer.
National Science Education Standards (NSES) :Earth and Space Science Content
Standard D: As a result of their activities in grades K-4, all students should develop
an understanding of:
Properties of earth materials
 Earth materials are solid rocks and soils, water, and the gases of the
atmosphere. The varied materials have different physical and chemical
properties, which make them useful in different ways, for example, as
building materials, as sources of fuel, or for growing the plants we use as
food. Earth materials provide many of the resources that humans use.
 Apple
 Raspberry Jello
 Black cherry Jello
 Plastic baggies
 Cups
 Spoons
 Graham Crackers
 Bowls
 Melted margarine or butter
 Sugar
 Computer with Slide Rocket presentation
 Computer projector
1. Begin the class by asking students a question, “How many of you know
something about the Earth?” Tell the students that you are going to share
something that you know about the Earth.
2. Start the Slide Rocket presentation, and explain to the students that they
are going to learn about the layers of the Earth.
3. The Earth has four layers: the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.
Science Lesson Plan
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Evaluation:
Reference:
 Introduce the layers of the earth using an apple. Cut the apple in half
across the core.
 Explain that the skin represents the crust, the heart represents the
mantle, the seed coat represents the outer core, and the seed
represents the inner core.
 Go through each layer and describe three facts about each. There will
also be a picture of each layer on the screen while each layer is being
described.
Activity: The Earth Bowl
 Students will construct a model of the Earth’s layers by using Jello.
 Introduce the activity by telling students that they are going to “make”
the layers of the Earth.
 The directions are on the slide, so the students will be able to read
them as they move along with the project.
 The students will get into groups of four. Have two students from each
group come up to the front to get the materials.
Give each group five graham crackers in a baggie. Put a tablespoon of
sugar in each baggie with the graham crackers. Have one large box of each
flavor of the Jell-O and divide it depending on how many groups you have.
Melt one stick of butter and divide it evenly between the groups. The butter
is used to get the graham crackers to stick together.
All the students can read the directions off of the PowerPoint slide that tells
them exactly what to do in the correct order.
When the students have finished putting the activity together, they will
have made the layers of the Earth starting with the crust on the outside and
working in to make the mantle, outer
core, and inner core.
Have each group present their Earth model to the class, identifying each layer and at
least two important facts about each layer.
 Lesson Adapted from
http://www.eduref.org/cgibin/printlessons.cgi/Virtual/Lessons/Science/Geology/GLG0207.html