Models of the Earth
In this activity, students use models to visualise the layers inside the Earth.
The models use food items to demonstrate the layers. As an alternative to food, consider using plasticine or playdough to create the models.
Edible model of the Earth
Create an edible representation of the Earth's layers using a small hard candy as the core, a marshmallow for the 'squishy' mantle and chocolate for the crust.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
identify some of the layers inside the Earth
describe some of the physical characteristics of these layers
explain how the models are a representation of the Earth
discuss how these models are different from what is really inside the Earth.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
student handout.
Nature of science
Scientists often use models to explain things we cannot easily see. The models used in this activity help students picture some of the characteristics of the layers inside the Earth.
Related content
Use the Under the Earth’s surface and The moving Earth articles to further explore tectonic plates and the different ways they meet and move.
Activity idea
In the Tectonic sandwiches activity students make sandwiches to investigate tectonic plate boundaries and how they move during an earthquake.
Tectonic jigsaw puzzles helps students to visualise what is happening below their feet.
