You Got The Whole World In Your Hands

Purpose: : To understand the layers of the Earth’s crust

Materials

• large foam ball
• scissors
• markers
• Velcro
• construction paper
• different colored felt

Procedure

Teacher Prep: Precut the foam ball for the students by cutting a wedge out of the ball. To cut the wedge, mark a spot at the “top” of the ball and another on the opposite side on the “bottom” of the ball. Using a sharp knife, start at the top mark and slice from the top to the bottom mark. Repeat on the opposite side so that the wedge is about 8-10 cm across the middle. See diagram 1.

1. Using the foam ball you are going to create a model of the Earth’s layers. Study diagram 2 below and color the picture as the key indicates.
2. On one side of the wedge, draw lines to represent the layers.
3. Color the wedge to match Diagram 2.
4. Mark the lines on the inside of the foam ball and color it to match Diagram 2.
5. Make two felt labels for each layer and attach them to the model and the wedge with Velcro.
6. Using a map as a guide, draw the continents onto construction paper.
7. Cut out the continents to use as templates.
8. Place the templates on different colored felt and trace. Cut out each continent and glue onto the ball in the appropriate position.
9. Create labels for the continents and oceans.
10. In your group, use the ball and wedge to practice learning the layers of the Earth, the continents, and the oceans.

Conclusion

1. What are the layers of the Earth?
2. What layer do you live on?

Extensions

Conduct research on the layers of the Earth and present your findings in the form of a poster, written report, or chart to the class. Use an egg or peach to describe the layers of the Earth.