Layers Of The Earth Activity

Have you ever thought about what you are standing on? Do you know what’s underneath that and then underneath that and so on? This fun and simple layers of the earth activity is a great geology activity for multiple ages. We also paired it with our favorite Bill Nye episode, The Earth’s Crust.

LAYERS OF THE EARTH PROJECT WITH LEGO

LAYERS OF THE EARTH FOR KIDS

What’s a fun way to learn Earth science? Learn it with LEGO, of course! This simple way to explore our planet is to create a slice of it with LEGO. Our basic brick building activities are designed with you, the parent or teacher, in mind.  Easy to set up, quick to do, most activities will take only 15 to 30 minutes to complete and are heaps of fun.  Plus, you don’t need a ton of specialty pieces and kids can generally figure out their own version all by themeselves! Find out how to make a model of the earth without using Styrofoam.  Learn what the layers of the earth are with this hands-on science activity. Let’s get started!

WHAT ARE THE LAYERS OF THE EARTH?

The earth can be divided into three main layers: the core, the mantle, and the crust. Each of these layers can be further divided into two parts: the inner and outer core, the upper and lower mantle, and the continental and oceanic crust. We each worked on a LEGO earth slice for our layers of the earth project and worked together to look up the layers and pick colors. Add a safe internet search to extend the learning. My son enjoyed making the Earth while we guided him with the shape and helped troubleshoot with him. He did the same for us too! Explore the layers of the Earth further with this Earth Layers worksheet pack while you build!

THE CRUST

My husband loves to play around with the slanted pieces, so he helps us out when we want a rounder shape. I love how quickly my son recognized the different layers. We talked about  how all living things live on the crust. It’s a thin but hard layer that covers the super hot core, made of the ocean basins and Continental plates. Also check out: LEGO Soil Layers Building Callenge

THE MANTLE

The mantle under the crust is about 1,800 miles deep (2,890 km). It is made mostly of silicate rocks rich in magnesium and iron. Intense heat causes the rocks to rise. They then cool and sink back down to the core. When the mantle pushes through the crust, volcanoes erupt. Check Out: Make A LEGO Volcano

THE CORE

At the center of the Earth is the core, which has two parts. The solid, inner core is made of iron. It is surrounded by a liquid, outer core composed of a nickel-iron alloy.

OUR LAYERS OF THE EARTH

Check out the photos below to get some ideas on how to build your Earth layers!

It was imperative that he add mini-figures including an arctic guy. 

Later that day, we decided to watch a Bill Nye episode. Of course, the one about the Earth’s crust was first on the list and the perfect complement to our hands on exploration of the Earth’s layers.

We learned all about the crust and what lies beneath it. Now it’s your turn to build a slice of the earth or whatever design comes to mind!

MORE FUN LEGO BUILDS

SIMPLE LAYERS OF THE EARTH ACTIVITY WITH LEGO

Click on the link or on the image for more awesome LEGO building ideas.