Objectives: 1. Students will understand the 3 layers of Earth: crust, mantle, and core 2. Students will understand the properties of the 3 layers 3. Students will apply their knowledge to create a physical model of Earth’s layers

Materials: - 3 large, empty jars or plastic containers - large clear bowl - sand, soil, and gravel - iron filings - red and green food coloring - scissors - small bowls

Procedure: 1. Begin by discussing the structure and composition of Earth’s three layers: Crust, Mantle, and Core. Explain that the crust is the top layer and the thinnest. It is the coldest layer and contains soil, sand, and gravel. The mantle is the middle layer and is the hottest. It is made of rock that is soft and forms much of Earth’s surface. The core is the deepest layer and is made of metal, primarily iron. The core is also very hot and is filled with molten metal.

1. Give each student a container and explain that they will be creating a physical model of Earth’s layers. Have each student fill their containers with alternating soil, sand and gravel to represent the crust. Add a few drops of green food coloring and allow to settle.

2. In the large bowl, mix iron filings and red food coloring to represent the core. Allow this to settle at the bottom of the bowl as the core.

3. Take a small bowl and fill it with iron filings, sand and soil. Instruct the students to mix these to represent the mantle.

4. Add the layers from the small bowl, onto the crust (first layer) in the container. Instruct the students to pour the core (second layer) onto the mantle.

5. Help the students secure the lid onto the container, and allow them to observe the layering and use their hands to mix the layers together.

6. Following the activity, review the content discussed in the beginning and help the students answer any questions they may have.

Assessment: Have students draw a picture of the structure of Earth’s layers. As they draw, ask questions such as “which layer is the hottest?”, “what is the deepest layer?”, and “which layer is the thinnest?”. Collect and review the drawings to ensure that students have understood the material.