In this activity, students use models to visualise the layers inside the Earth.
The models use food items to demonstrate the layers. As an alternative to food, consider using plasticine or playdough to create the models.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
- identify some of the layers inside the Earth
- describe some of the physical characteristics of these layers
- explain how the models are a representation of the Earth
- discuss how these models are different from what is really inside the Earth.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
- introduction/background notes
- what you need
- what to do
- student handout.
Nature of science
Scientists often use models to explain things we cannot easily see. The models used in this activity help students picture some of the characteristics of the layers inside the Earth.
Related content
Use the Under the Earth’s surface and The moving Earth articles to further explore tectonic plates and the different ways they meet and move.
Activity idea
In the Tectonic sandwiches activity students make sandwiches to investigate tectonic plate boundaries and how they move during an earthquake.
Tectonic jigsaw puzzles helps students to visualise what is happening below their feet.
