6.3 Structure of the EARTH

​6.3 Structure of the Earth

By Physics Department

Objectives of the day

• Identify and describe the main layers of the Earth: crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.

• Explain how the continental drift model supports our understanding of Earth’s structure.

• Create a 3D model showing the Earth’s layers and label each layer correctly.

• Reflect on how understanding Earth’s structure helps us care for our planet.

Open Ended

What do you notice about the colors or materials inside the Earth?

Open Ended

Why do you think the deeper layers are hotter and denser?

CRUST is the thinnest, outermost layer where we live.

CHARACTERISTICS:
It is a solid, rocky layer made of tectonic plates that is broken into two types:
- continental (land)
- oceanic (ocean floor

CRUST

MANTLE is the thickest layer, located beneath the crust.

CHARACTERISTICS:
It is made of super hot, semi-solid rock called magma, which moves slowly.

COMPOSITIONS:
Rich in Iron and Magnesium

MANTLE

OUTER CORE is a liquid layer of molten metal, primarily iron and nickel.

COMPOSITIONS:
Primarily Iron and Nickel.

FUNCTIONS:
The movement of this liquid metal generates the Earth's magnetic field

OUTER CORE

INNER CORE is the center of the Earth.
 
CHARACTERISTICS:
A solid ball of metal, incredibly dense sphere due to immense pressure. It is hotter than the outer core.

COMPOSITIONS:
Primarily iron and nickel. 

INNER CORE

Labelling

Label the following layer of the Earth!

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

Mantle

Crust

Outer Core

Inner Core

Match

Match the following characteristics with the correct layer of the Earth!

• Solid Rock

• Molten (liquids of) rocks and metals

• The metals of Iron and Nickel

• Solid Iron and Nickel

CRUST

MANTLE

OUTER CORE

INNER CORE

• CRUST

• MANTLE

• OUTER CORE

• INNER CORE

CONTINENTAL DRIFT MODEL

The continental drift theory, proposed by Alfred Wegener, states that Earth's continents were once joined as a single supercontinent called PANGAEA, which broke apart and slowly drifted to their current positions

Continental Drift Theory

1. The shape of all continents fit together

2. The types of rock on the different continents match up where they fit together.

3. the fossils on different continents match up where they fit together.

4. Tectonic plates move slowlyon the liquid rock beneath them causing the continental drift.

Continental Drift Theory Evidence

Hands-On Activity

Creating a 3D model of the structure of the Earth

Gallery Walk

Go look at other's group model, share one 'woww fact' from their model

Past Paper
Discussion

Past Paper Discussion

Summary

• Earth is made of several layers, each with a unique role. Even though we only see the surface, the deeper layers keep our planet alive and moving.

• Just like the Earth, people have layers too, our surface may look calm, but what’s inside (our kindness, curiosity, and effort) keeps everything moving forward.