1. Presented by Kesler Science
Earth’s Layers
Created by Kesler Science – More 5E lessons at KeslerScience.com
Presented by Kesler Science

2. Essential Questions:
What are the main characteristics of the Earth’s layers?
How can the Earth’s layers be illustrated?

3. Earth’s Crust Earth's Layers The outer layer of the Earth
Similar to the skin on an apple (thinnest layer)
Made up of both continental (land)and oceanic crust(under the ocean)
5-50 km thick
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4. Oceanic Crust Earth's Layers
A thin layer of crust that overlies the ocean basins
More dense than continental crust
Mostly basalt rock
Thinner than continental crust. (5-10km)
Younger (newer) than continental crust
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5. Continental Crust Earth's Layers
Layer of rock which forms the continents
Less dense than oceanic crust
Mostly granite
Thicker than oceanic crust
Older than oceanic crust
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6. Crust Earth's Layers The outer layer of the earth
Similar to the skin on an apple (thinnest layer)
Made up of both continental (land)and oceanic crust(under the ocean).
5-50 km thick
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7. Lithosphere Earth's Layers
Solid outer section of the Earth, which includes the crust (rocky layer)
Also, includes the cool, dense, rigid upper part of the mantle
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8. Earth's Layers Asthenosphere Solid part of the upper mantle
Weaker, less rigid (plasticity - like silly putty)
Crust moves over the plastic-like asthenosphere
These plates crash into each other.
Here the oceanic crust is subducting under the continental crust which creates volcanoes.
If you’re brave, you can let students play with silly putty or make your own concoction of slime. There are
lots of recipes on the Internet. They represent the properties of a solid but move like a liquid.
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9. Quick Action – Earth's Layers
Draw and label a picture of the Earth’s lithosphere and asthenosphere in your INB’s.
Lithosphere
Asthenosphere
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10. Earth's Layers Mantle Largest layer of the Earth
Under the crust about 2,890km
Composed of silicate rocks rich in magnesium and iron
Intense heat causes the rocks to rise and then cool and sink.
The process is called convection, which causes the crust to move.
Average temperature 3000o
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11. Outer Core Earth's Layers Liquid layer 2,300 km thick, second largest
Composed of liquid iron and nickel
Lies between inner core and mantle
Because the magma moves around the inner core, Earth’s magnetic field is created.
Average temperature 4000o -5000o
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12. Earth's Layers Inner Core A solid ball of metal 1,250 km thick
Made of solid nickel and iron
So hot it melts everything in the outer core
Spins at a speed faster than the Earth rotates
Densest layer of the Earth
Average temperature 5000o o
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13. Quick Action – Earth's Layers
Take a break. Get up and dance
Teacher needs to queue this up prior to the slide as it will not link from PP.
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14. Waves of energy caused by earthquakes and other rock movement
Earth's Layers Video
What are seismic waves?
Waves of energy caused by earthquakes and other rock movement
Travel through some layers of the Earth
Recorded with seismographs
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15. Earth's Layers
Seismic waves are used to determine which layers of the Earth are solid or liquid.
Some seismic waves cannot pass through certain layers giving us a clue to the layers composition.
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16. Quick Action – INB Template
Earth's Layers INB Template
Cut out the four INB templates to form a flip book.
This is page 4 and should be completely pasted into your notebook.
The following 3 pages will attach only at the top.
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17. Quick Action – INB Template
Page 3
Page 2
Page 1
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18. Quick Action – INB Template
Use your notes from today’s lesson to complete the foldable
and the Venn Diagram
Page 2
Page 3
Page 1
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19. Quick Action – INB Template
Earth's Layers INB Template
Draw a Venn diagram
Use the information in your notes and foldable to complete the diagram
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20. Check for Understanding
Can you…
List the characteristics of each of the Earth’s layers?
Illustrate the Earth’s layers?
Clear up any confusion and answer questions.
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