Exploring Earth's Hidden Layers
A Journey to the Center of Our Planet Grade 6 Earth Science Howard County Public Schools
What Do You Think Earth's Surface Is Made Of?
Think about what you see when you dig in your backyard What might be different under the ocean? How deep do you think solid rock is?
Earth's Surface: More Than Meets the Eye
Sediment: Loose particles like sand, soil, and gravel Bedrock: Solid rock that forms Earth's foundation Sediment sits on TOP of bedrock Bedrock can be at the surface OR buried deep underground
Build Your Earth Layer Model
Use containers and materials to create Earth's layers Start with bedrock at the bottom Add different types of sediment on top Label each layer in your science notebook
What Happens Deep Underground?
Heat increases as you go deeper Pressure increases from the weight above Rock changes under extreme heat and pressure Ocean crust is denser than continental crust
Ocean vs Continental Rock: A Data Investigation
{"left":"Ocean Crust: Denser, heavier rock\nContinental Crust: Less dense, lighter rock\nOcean crust: 3.0 g/cm³ density","right":"Continental crust: 2.7 g/cm³ density\nOcean crust is thinner but heavier\nContinental crust is thicker but lighter"}
Update Your Earth Model
Add labels showing where heat and pressure are greatest Show how rock changes with depth Include density differences between ocean and continental areas Prepare to explain how this affects earthquakes
Connecting to Earthquakes
"The properties of bedrock beneath our feet determine how the ground will shake during an earthquake." - Earth Science Principle