This lesson will help students visualize the Earth's crust (lithosphere), mantle, and core. The students will work in groups to research and design a model of the Earth's layers. Some of the types of models include: computer, fruits such as peaches and apples, and Play-Doh.

Peach, apple, or hard-boiled egg; Play-Doh; plastic knife

Computer with Internet access

Present this scenario to the students: One night you are asked to explore the Earth in a specially designed space ship. You have no idea what this is about, but you are willing to adventure and find out. Before you start the journey, you are told to put on a heat-resistant suit and buckle up! You begin the ride of your life. The journey takes you from the crust of the Earth into the mantle. How this is possible you have no idea, but it's true. After the mantle you visit the core. Then your dream is over and you wake up.

Provide the students with detailed reference materials about the three layers of the Earth, such as textbooks, trade books, and Internet web sites. This will add to other background information.

1.)Explain that we are going to research the three layers that form the Earth and make a model of the crust, the mantle, and the core. Begin by showing a picture of the three layers, either from a textbook or from the web sites given. The following web sites are good informational tools to aid in the instruction of this lesson:
(Layers of the Earth)
Contains a good illustration of the three layers.

2.)This web site provides models and information of the different layers of the Earth.
(The Earth's Layers)
Simple representation of the Earth's layers from "Volcano World" presented by the University of North Dakota.

3.)To see a simulation of drilling through the Earth's layers, go to this web site:
(CNN: Layers of the Earth)

4.)Divide the students into three groups. Give each group either an apple, a peach, or a hard-boiled egg (cut in half). Ask students to compare and contrast the difference between the layers of an apple, peach (skin, middle, pit), or egg (shell, white, yolk) and the layers of the Earth. Record five similarities and 2 differences. Return to the whole group setting and compare making a class chart.

5.)In this step students can be placed in small groups or they can complete the activity individually. Using what they know about the Earth's three layers, have the students make a model out of Play-Doh using three different colors to represent the three different layers.

6.)Upon completing the model, have the students cut the sphere-shaped Earth in half.

7.)Write a description of the model Earth and the layers. Challenge the students to figure out ways they could have represented the three layers more accurately.

8.)On the same class chart that was used earlier, brainstorm some ideas to help represent the layers more accurately. Allow any students who think their models are good representations to share with the class.

9.)Lastly, show a teacher-made model that proportionally represents the three layers and their thickness. Refer back to the class chart about revising the model. Ask the question: Now that you have completed this project, how has your understanding of the Earth's structure changed?

Students will draw the Earth's layers and label each. Students will then write a short paragraph describing each layer. Teacher will assess for accuracy.

Have students design their own planet using the concepts of the Earth's layers to invent the new planet. In order to extend thinking, have students formulate their own temperature and make-up for the layers.