The Structure of the Earth
2.4) The Four Interconnecting Spheres of the Earth
2.5) What is under the Earth's Crust?
Task 1) Watch Richard Hammond's "Journey to the Center of the Earth" is an introductory video, approximately 45 minutes long to begin your understanding of the interior of our planet.
Extension Task; Learn about how the Earth was made by watching the video "Birth of the Earth". As you watch this video prepare a worksheet consisting of at least two questions from each chapter.Try and make the questions of different types e.g. simple factual questions like "How old ..." to more complex questions like "describe how ..." Your worksheet will be attempted by your peers and you will be expected to mark their answers! . |
More Resources on the Earth's Structure
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Inner Core
* depth – 1400 km * temperature – 5000 – 6000 oC * Solid iron and nickel Outer Core * depth – 2300 km * temperature – 4000 oC * liquid iron and nickel * the convection currents in this layer produce the Earth’s magnetic field Mantle * depth 2800 km * temperature – 4000 – 1000 oC * a very thick paste * convection currents in this layer move the tectonic plates Crust * depth – 10 to 75 km thick * temperature is from 0 – 25oC on the surface up to 1000 oC near the mantle * main elements – oxygen, silicon, aluminium and iron * the majority of the Earth’s Crust is made by volcanoes. Lithosphere is the crust AND the top part of the mantle. It is SOLID. Asthenosphere is the layer of mantle underneath the lithosphere and it is a very thick PASTE- like consistency. |
2.6) What is in the air that you breathe?
Earth is the only planet in the solar system with an atmosphere that can sustain life. The blanket of gases not only contains the air that we breathe but also protects us from the blasts of heat and radiation emanating from the sun. It warms the planet by day and cools it at night. 1) Use the weblink "Climate Education" to make notes in your exercise books that identifies the gases that make up our atmosphere. Include a pie chart that shows their percentage values as well. 2) Watch this interesting video on the Earth's Atmosphere. This video is approximately 5 minutes long. 3) Use the internet to identify the difference between the Earth's atmosphere and space. 4) Extension Students - learn more about the Earth's atmosphere and its effect on our lives through this video "Earth - The Power of the Planet: Episode 1) The Atmosphere" (60 mins) |
Additional Resources and Information on the Structure of the Earth
So why does our Earth need an atmosphere????
Discover why the atmosphere is crucial to life on Earth. Learn how the atmosphere creates the weather and clouds, and provides blue skies and red sunsets. See how worldwide wind patterns form. View scientists investigating how greenhouse gases have changed over thousands of years, and what the recent dramatic changes could mean for life on Earth. We are so reliant on our atmosphere - watch this video to find out!!! As you watch the video, write down all the different ways that our atmosphere is crucial to life on Earth. Much more information about Climate Change can be found on the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website "A Student's Guide to Global Climate Change" |
Extension - The Ozone Layer
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