The focus in this part of the unit is for students to become familiar with the Earth. They will be examining what makes up the Earth’s layers.
Day 1: What is the Earth made of?
Students will begin the lesson by utilizing prior knowledge of Matter. They will play “Four-Corners”. Students will think about what the Earth is made of. “Is it a solid, liquid or gas?”. Students will position themselves in the corner they believe answers the question.
Students will be given a 3-5 minutes to discuss what they think, with other like-minded classmates. Each corner will be given a paper to list out their ideas. After 3 – 5 minutes, the corners will take turns defending their thinking.
Once all groups have had the opportunity to share, the class will watch brainPOPjr.com video “Earth” and complete the quiz as a whole class or use copies of the “Easy Quiz” or “Earth Hard Quiz” printed as exit slips for the period. (Differentiation Option: students can watch video on individual chrome books and complete either the easy or hard quiz and print).
Lastly, come together as a class to make a final decision on what the Earth consists of. (All three states of matter)
Day 2: Earth’s Layers
Begin by reviewing that different parts of our Earth are made from solid, liquid and gas matter.
Explain that today we are going to learn a little but more about the different layers of the Earth. Utilize “Beneath our Feet: The Four Layers of Earth” as a shared reading. (This can be displayed on screen and each student should have their own copy.) Discuss as you read.
You can choose from the following follow up activities: “labeling of Earth’s Layers” or complete the “Google Form” as an exit ticket. (Differentiation Option)
Day 3: Earth’s Layers (continued)
Read HOW TO DIG A HOLE TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD. (digital read aloud below)
Students will then create the “Layers of the Earth Project” , adding important information to each layer to demonstrate what they have learned.