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Science lesson plan · 6th grade (Year 7 in England) · 45 minutes

The structure of the Earth

Earth and rocks

CCSS NGSS.MS-ESS2-1CCSS NGSS.MS-ESS2-3England: KS3 Chemistry: Earth and atmosphere (composition of the Earth)

Objective and success criteria

Students will: The structure of the Earth.

  • I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
  • I can explain each step and say why it works.
  • I can check my answer and spot a mistake.

Before and after

Needs first: Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks

Leads to: Plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes; Seismic waves as evidence for Earth's layers

Materials: Rock samples, Hand lenses, Mini whiteboards, A diagram or short video clip of the idea, Printed student sheet (below).

Warm-up · 5 min

  • Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
  • Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
  1. What type of rock is granite? (igneous / sedimentary / metamorphic) → igneousPrompt: Did it form from cooled magma, from layers of sediment, or from heat and pressure changing another rock?
  2. Which of these rocks is sedimentary? (sandstone / granite / quartzite / obsidian) → sandstonePrompt: Look for clues: interlocking crystals, layers of grains, or bands made by pressure.
  3. Marble forms from which rock? (granite / limestone / sandstone / basalt) → limestonePrompt: Both contain calcium carbonate.

Hook · 5 min

  • Pass round different rocks and ask how each one might have formed.
  • Share the objective: The structure of the Earth. Read the success criteria together.

I do: model it · 10 min

  • Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
  • Example: Which layer of the Earth is liquid?
  • Step 1: The outer core is liquid iron and nickel; the inner core is solid.
  • Step 2: So the answer is: the outer core
  • Answer: the outer core
  • Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

We do: guided practice · 10 min

  • Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
  • Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
  1. Which is the thinnest layer of the Earth? (the crust / the outer core / the inner core / the mantle) → the crustPrompt: It is like the skin on an apple.
  2. Earth's structure: which statement is NOT true? (The mantle is the thickest layer. / Temperature increases as you go deeper into the Earth. / The crust is made of rock. / The mantle is completely liquid lava.) → The mantle is completely liquid lava.Prompt: Is the mantle really a sea of liquid?

You do: independent practice · 10 min

  • Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
  • Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 5 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

Exit ticket · 5 min

  • Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
  1. Earth's structure: which statement is NOT true? (The crust is made of rock. / The inner core is solid. / Temperature increases as you go deeper into the Earth. / The crust is the thickest layer.) → The crust is the thickest layer.Prompt: Is the mantle really a sea of liquid?
  2. How do scientists know about the inside of the Earth? (By studying how earthquake waves travel through it / By looking at the Moon / By visiting the core / By drilling to the centre) → By studying how earthquake waves travel through itPrompt: The deepest hole ever drilled is only about 12 km deep.

Watch out for

  • Everyday meanings of words getting in the way of the science meaning: define key words explicitly.
  • Remembering facts without the reason: ask "why?" and "what is the evidence?"

Support and stretch

Support

  • Review first: Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
  • Use concrete materials: rock samples.
  • Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
  • Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.

Stretch

  • Move on to: Plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes; Seismic waves as evidence for Earth's layers.
  • Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
  • Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.

Homework and more practice

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-6.

Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder

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The structure of the Earth

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Date

Score/ 5

  1. Question 1

    Earth's structure: which statement is NOT true?

    • A. The crust is the thickest layer.
    • B. Temperature increases as you go deeper into the Earth.
    • C. The inner core is solid.
    • D. The crust is made of rock.

  2. Question 2

    Which is the thinnest layer of the Earth?

    • A. the mantle
    • B. the crust
    • C. the outer core
    • D. the inner core

  3. Question 3

    What is the Earth's core mainly made of?

    • A. water
    • B. gold
    • C. iron and nickel
    • D. rock and soil

  4. Question 4

    How do scientists know about the inside of the Earth?

    • A. By looking at the Moon
    • B. By studying how earthquake waves travel through it
    • C. By visiting the core
    • D. By drilling to the centre

  5. Question 5

    Which layer of the Earth is liquid?

    • A. the inner core
    • B. all of them
    • C. the outer core
    • D. the crust

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Answer key: The structure of the Earth

  1. 1. A. The crust is the thickest layer.

  2. 2. B. the crust

  3. 3. C. iron and nickel

  4. 4. B. By studying how earthquake waves travel through it

  5. 5. C. the outer core