Step-by-Step: Model of Earth's Layers

Today, while Brianna works on a paper mache cutaway model of the earth, the younger kids will be making paper models. I made a sample this weekend to show them what we're going for. It was easy enough and I think it will be enjoyable for the younger kids.

What you'll need:

* an Earth outline (scroll down for the Earth coloring page)

* five colors of construction paper

* crayons or colored pencils

* scissors (or, if you have it, the Creative Memories Cutting System circles work fabulously for this)

* glue

What You'll Do:

Step 1: Cut out and color the Earth coloring page.

Step 2: Cut out the first construction paper circle the same size as the Earth circle. Then, cut out the remaining four circle in gradually smaller sizes.

Step 3: Glue the largest shape to the back of the Earth sheet. Then, glue the next largest shape and so on until they're all glued.

Step 4 (optional): Label each layer: crust, upper mantle, lower mantle, outer core and inner core.

(Note: Most websites I've seen combine the upper and lower mantle and simply call it the mantle, giving the Earth four layers, rather than five. Our science text, Christian Kids Explore Earth and Space, lists them separately. I would recommend going with whatever your particular science text has.)

Alternate: You could do a cutaway picture of the layers by gluing the layers as stated above, then, cut out 1/4 of the Earth page and glue it over all of the construction paper layers, rather than on the back of the largest one.

Related Posts:

Step-by-Step: Making a Paper Mache Cut-Away Earth Model