Introduction
Did you know that the earth is like a cake?
If we dig and dig, what would we find?
Is it all soil and rocks?
What's the temperature like inside?
Wait... Did someone say CAKE???
Yes! The Earth is like a cake because it is composed of layers!
Today you are a geologist on assignment to explore the layers of the Earth. Your job is to observe the features associated with each layer and complete an assessment of your findings.
When you are done with the mission, you will be able to identify the distinct layers of the earth, describe the temperature, size and structure of each layer, and know the elements and other unique characteristics found in each layer.
First, check out what a "slice" of earth would look like!
Pay attention! This diagram will be helpful later!
Ready for more? Continue to the Task page.
Task
In this WebQuest, you are going to learn all about the layers of the earth. On the next page, you will find a video to watch and a couple of websites to read.
After you have studied those resources, you will have the knowledge you need to complete the following tasks:
Task #1 - Complete this worksheet. Your score will depend on how many layers you can successfully label. Be sure to spell them correctly, too.
Task #2 - After you have completed the worksheet, create a model of the layers of the earth.
Click here to watch a video explaining how to make your model. Have fun building your model with a partner. You can share playdough and talk about each layer as you work. *For this project, you will be using dental floss, not a knife!
Pay close attention to the instructions on the video. Your score will depend on how well you followed the instructions, how distinguishable each layer is from the others, and the neatness of your project.
Task #3 - Answer the questions on the Process page in complete sentences using proper grammar and spelling. The more questions you answer correctly, the higher your score will be.
Make sure all your work is neat and tidy and you use proper grammar and spelling throughout. If not, it will reduce your overall score.
You'll be coming back to the Task page after you visit the Process page. See ya soon!
Process
Hey there Explorers, here is a video and a couple of websites to help you learn more about the layers of the earth! Once you have watched the video and read the web pages, you're ready to complete the worksheet, answer the questions, and build your model. Good Luck!
This video is full of interesting facts about the earth, as well as answers to the assigned questions:
Here are the websites full of more interesting facts that will also help you answer questions:
http://herculeajonesdiv1.weebly.com/earths-4-layers.html
http://www.myschoolhouse.com/courses/O/1/69.asp
These are the questions you read about on the Task page.
How many layers does the Earth have?
The Earth's crust consists of two types of crusts, the continental crust, and the oceanic crust. The continental crust is up to 50 miles thick. How thick is the oceanic crust?
Where has a vast hidden ocean recently been discovered?
The mantle begins where the crust ends, about 50 miles down. Where does the mantle end and the outer core begin?
What is formed in the mantle that becomes lava when it erupts from a volcano?
What temperature is the outer core?
The inner core is between_____ and _____ degrees Fahrenheit. That's hotter than the surface of the sun!
The actual center of the earth is about ______miles down.
Scientist have only been able to scratch the surface of the Earth. What do they use to help them "see" what is down there?
Study the scoring rubric on the Evaluation page to learn how you will be graded on these projects. You will need to answer questions correctly, follow instructions, do neat work, and use proper spelling and grammar in order to earn the best score. Don't worry, if you do your best, you will do well on this WebQuest and you will have learned a lot about what's inside your planet!
Evaluation
"The Layers of Earth" Scoring Rubric.
| Excellent (25 pts) | Good (20 pts) | Fair (10 pts) | Poor (5 pts) | |||||
| Worksheet | Student is able to label all the layers of the earth. | Student is able to label 3 layers of the earth correctly. | Student is able to label only 2 layers of the earth correctly. | Student is only able label one or none of the layers of the earth correctly. | ||||
| Model of the Earth | Student is able to create a clear model of the earth using the instructions from the YouTube video correctly. All layers of the earth are distinguishable and clearly visible. |
|
|
Student creates a poor model of the earth and fails to follow the instructions from the YouTube video correctly. | ||||
| Questions | Only 2 questions marked incorrectly. | 3-4 questions marked incorrectly. | 5-6 questions marked incorrectly. | 7-9 questions marked incorrectly. | ||||
| Grammar,Spelling and Neatness. | No grammar or spelling errors. Projects are done neatly. | Some grammar and/or spelling errors. Majority of work is clear of errors Projects are done somewhat neatly. | Many grammar and/or spelling errors, but still understandable. The projects lack neatness. | A great deal of grammar and/or spelling errors. The projects are poorly done. |
Score 90 -100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D
59 and below = F
Conclusion
Great Geologists!
What do you remember? Let's review:
The Earth is a lot like a cake. It has layers! Its four main layers are called: crust, mantle (upper and lower), outer core and inner core.
There are so many cool facts about the earth's layers!
The inner core of the earth is hotter than the sun!
The inner core is as hot as 5700 degrees Celcius. That's very hot!
The inner core is made of what two things: iron and nickel.
The mantle is around 2900 km wide. That's really wide!
How did you do? Did you remember everything? Make sure to share your knowledge with fellow geologists!
Credits
"Earth's 4 Layers." Planet Earth, herculeajonesdiv1.weebly.com/earths-
4-layers.html.
"Earth's Interior Isn't Quite What We Thought It Was | TNTM"
YouTube, 13 Nov. 2014 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWZky7mXoO0&list=PLImpujoxlUMFM58llBPpSckcouFea7n_5
"Education.com | Educational Site for Pre-K through 5. Education.com |
#1 Educational Site for Pre-K through 5, www.education.com/.
Hildyard, Rebecca. “Earth Structure.” The Volcanics, Ruskin Rocks, Aug. 2010,
https://www.leeds.ac.uk/ruskinrocks/Earth%20Structure.html
"Layers of the Earth." Earth Layers Worksheet - Elementary Science
Lessons & Tests - My Schoolhouse - Online Learning,