Layers of the Earth Model

This activity is ideal for late elementary school or middle school students!

This activity is a great tool to use when your student is learning about the layers of the Earth! In this activity, you'll use playdough (or similar model clay) to create the layers of the Earth!

Materials:

* Playdough or clay in 4 different colors

* Blue and green playdough or clay (optional, if you want to make the Earth have water and land on the outside of the model)

* Dental floss

Directions: Using your first color of clay, roll a small ball for the inner core of the Earth.

Using your next color, flatten the clay into a sheet then wrap it around the inner core to create the outer core of the Earth.

Repeat the previous step with your next color to make the mantle. Make this layer thicker for higher accuracy!

Repeat the previous step with your next color to make the Earth's crust.

This next step is optional, but if you wish to use blue and green clay for land and water do so here. Remember, this would be for aesthetics, as land is part of the Earth's crust!

Finally, use the dental floss to cut a slice of the Earth model, making sure to cut all the way to the center, and admire your model.

EXTRA CHALLENGE: Try drawing and labeling a cross-section of the Earth on a piece of paper as you go!