Layers of the Earth (Part 3)

What You'll Learn

Earth has three main layers: the thin outer crust, the thick mantle, and the dense core. The core has a liquid outer layer and a solid inner layer made mostly of iron.

Key Words

humidity
barometer

Materials Needed

clay
water
plastic tray
magnifying glass
newspaper
spray bottle

Safety First

Wear safety goggles when mixing liquids.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Review the background information on The Water Cycle before starting.

Step 2 — Do

Model erosion: tilt a tray of soil and pour water from a cup at the top. Observe how channels form. Try adding plants or rocks to slow the erosion.

Step 3 — Observe

Watch carefully for any changes and note the time.

Step 4 — Record

Create a data table to organize your measurements.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What causes earthquakes?