The Earth's Layers and Spheres

This year, we are shifting our focus in science to earth and space science. This is exciting for us because the girls haven't spent much time in this area. To make it even better, we have a few families that are working with us to complete lab activities. So far, they have been a hit with all of the girls.

 First on our stop was the study of the earth's layers and its spheres. We watched some great videos found on YouTube.  The girls favorite was the Layers of the Earth Rap! That song has really stuck with them!


 
Resources we used:

• Earth Layers:
• Spelling/Vocabulary list: Earth's Layers 
• http://mjksciteachingideas.com/plate.html  (powerpoint presentation and foldable)
• http://www.kidsgeo.com/geology-for-kids/0019-inside-of-earth.php 
• http://www.neok12.com/diagram/Earth-01.htm 
• http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/samoset/5altensciearth2.htm 
• Digging Through the Earth: Video
• Digging Through the Earth: Lesson plans and handouts

 

 
•  Earth Spheres:
• http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/spheres.html
• http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/investigations/es0103/es0103page01.cfm
• http://www.freeclubweb.com/powerpoints/science/spheres.html (powerpoint presentations)

During our group lab session, we discussed the layers of the earth and built scale models of the earth.  We also viewed real core samples from the that were brought in by another parent!

   

 

Supplies:

• Large Styrofoam ball (cut in half)
• Acrylic paint (4 different colors)
• Velcro dots
• Heavy card stock
• 1 1/2 inch hinge (found in hardware store near door hinges)
• Super glue
• Index cards

After coloring in each layer, we created index cards listing the facts about each layer on one side and the name of the layer on the other.  With the heavy card stock, we cut out  small squares and labeled the layers.  After the paint dried, we applied the Velcro dots to the model and applied the correct label to its part.  The hinge joint was then used to attach the two halves.  Be sure to use the super glue on the screws to hold them in place.  Our completed model were all finished and looked great!  We have more to add to them when we reach our lesson on plate tectonics so check back with us then.

If you're looking for a simpler model, I found one made by Canon that can be printed and assembled here.

Book list:

•  Earth's Crust by: Conrad Storad
• Earth's Core and Mantle by: Gregory Vogt
• The Lithosphere by: Gregory Vogt
• The Biosphere by: Gregory Vogt
• The Hydrosphere by: Gregory Vogt

Well that wraps up our study of the earth's layers.  We enjoyed it and are looking forward to learning more about our precious planet.

Week 4

We have just completed our fourth week back in school.  The girls have been busy, busy, busy learning all sorts of new things while big brother wrapped up his finals.  We also managed to complete our first "official" portfolio reviews and student evaluations.  I can't tell you what a relief it is to have all of that done and behind us now!

 

This week we studied the types of rocks.  T was able to identify all of the rocks during lab correctly.  All of the girls did!

 

This week in history we studied the Myceneans.  For geography, we decided to make a geography notebook.  The girls have really enjoyed doing this.

We've been working hard in math and doing more math notebooking.  We completed our study on nouns which was the first part of speech introduced in Grammarland. 

After all that work, we had to get out and have some fun!

 

A trip to the bowling alley with friends always does the trick!  We are making good use of our free bowling tickets from Kidsbowlfree.com. ( Our Favorite Resource this week!)

We finished off the week with a little jewelry making. My girls have have always enjoyed stringing beads.  This week, I surprised them with more supplies.  They upgraded to beading wire and learned to use the various crimps and claps.  This set was designed by Miss B.  After they finished, they asked if I could design them a website so they could sell them!  This brought up lots of learning opportunities.  We talked about the things they needed to think about and work on as they prepare to launch a jewelry business.  They realized they had more work to do, but weren't discouraged by it.  We'll see how they grow their idea over the next few months!

We really enjoyed our week and we hope you guys did the same!

Linking up this week with:
Homegrown Learners
Weekly Wrap-up