The Interior Structure of the Earth

This lesson was developed as part of the teaching science course at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Texas. We have done previous lessons on a variety of techniques new and old, but this one was a challenge. As a future educator it is very beneficial to use this as a reference therefore students can explore and discover. It will build on our foundation as teachers and our future teaching careers. 

Here you will begin a wonderful journey with the students by exploring the Earth's internal structure, the layers and what each layer is called. I have provided the lesson plan below as you continue to read I am going to discuss it briefly. Cooperative groups would be greatly beneficial, but I gave the students the option to choose their team members. Be sure to be prepared and provide a wide variety of materials enough for all students to use.

This lesson project is designed for 6th grade, but it can also be used in 5th grade as well as the upper middle school 7th and 8th grade. It involves science incorporated with geology and art itself. The learners will have to be familiar with planet Earth and understanding that Earth has an internal structure. For better understanding you can read a book, show pictures or a video. In case you need to modify here are some examples- for an ESL student have them the drawing in spanish and translate it. For special needs students have them watch videos to enlighten their lives. For upper grade levels, the students can use technology by creating a powerpoint presentation and or making a poster board. This can be accomplished either with partners or a team of 4. Researching and technology is endless, it provides numerous opportunities for the students to decide and be creative. 

NSES: Earth and Space Sciences- Content Standard D: As a result of their activities in grades 5-8th, all students should develop an understanding of: structure of the earth system.

Objective (s): The students will gain new knowledge about Earth's internal structure by creating a 3D model with 90% accuracy. 

TEKS 

6 (10) Earth and Space. The student understands the structure of Earth, the rock cycle, and plate tectonics. The student is expected to:

(a) Build a model to illustrate the structural layers of Earth, including the inner core, outer core, mantle, crust, asthenosphere and lithosphere

Show the students a minute video clip of introducing Earth's layers. There is a song provided, but it gets the students engaged by the video not telling the student anything. it leave it up to them. Make sure it is age appropriate and not to lengthy. 

1. Put students into teams (a group of 4). Let the students choose.

2. Students simply write the definitions of the keywords in their binder.

3. Using the computer, students will use the links provided to research the Earth's internal structure.

4. Tell the students they will have 20 minutes to do their research. 

5. Allow students to take notes, draw and or create a graphic organizer if needed.

Gather all the information from their research time and collaborate their findings. Students will create a 3d model of the Earth's internal structure and present to the class. Each team member will be assigned a role while working in groups. Tell the students this is their chance to bring the artist out in you. 

Students will take the research findings and watch a youtube video. It is a song of the Earth's internal structure and the layers. It is a neat song to sing to as well as a great way of remembering the layers of the Earth. Students can then discuss within their group their thoughts and opinions. 

Recite the song as a class to see if the students remembered the layers or if the song helped them. Also, giving the students a short quiz as provided in the link under evaluate. Be sure to use all 8 of the Multiple Intelligences when needed. It is important to address these to meet all of the student's style of learning. 

-Computers

-Paper

-Pencil

-Wide variety of materials (clay, foam balls, paint, paintbrushes, colors, markers, glue, map colors)