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Learning Assessment in Science 6

The document discusses the layers of the Earth including the inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust. It describes the composition, conditions, and features of each layer. It also explains how studying the layers helps understand earthquakes, volcanoes, and plate tectonics.

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8 views

Learning Assessment in Science 6

The document discusses the layers of the Earth including the inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust. It describes the composition, conditions, and features of each layer. It also explains how studying the layers helps understand earthquakes, volcanoes, and plate tectonics.

Uploaded by

patricialouisegallo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name: Daniel Ronde Cabarles Date: April 1, 2024 Score:

Subject: Grade 6 Science and Health Lesson Title: The Earth’s Layers
Objective: Identify layers of the earth.
References:
A. Books B. Internet Sources
Juanita M. Cruz Danilo S. Gutierrez,
Victoria S. Ziganay, Helen E. Caintic
Textbooks for Science and Health for
Grade 6
Concept Notes:

What are the layers of the earth?

The structure of the earth is divided into four major components: the crust, the mantle,
the outer core, and the inner core. Each layer has a unique chemical composition,
physical state, and can impact life on Earth's surface. Movement in the mantle caused by
variations in heat from the core, cause the plates to shift, which can cause earthquakes
and volcanic eruptions. These natural hazards then change our landscape, and in some
cases, threaten lives and property. Learn more about how the earth is constructed with
these classroom resources.

 The inner core:

This solid metal ball has a radius of 1,220 kilometers (758 miles), or about three-quarters
that of the moon. It’s located some 6,400 to 5,180 kilometers (4,000 to 3,220 miles)
beneath Earth’s surface. Extremely dense, it’s made mostly of iron and nickel. The inner
core spins a bit faster than the rest of the planet. It’s also intensely hot: Temperatures
sizzle at 5,400° Celsius (9,800° Fahrenheit). That’s almost as hot as the surface of the sun.
Pressures here are immense: well over 3 million times greater than on Earth’s surface.
Some research suggests there may also be an inner, inner core. It would likely consist
almost entirely of iron.

 The outer core:

This part of the core is also made from iron and nickel, just in liquid form. It sits some
5,180 to 2,880 kilometers (3,220 to 1,790 miles) below the surface. Heated largely by the
radioactive decay of the elements uranium and thorium, this liquid churns in huge,
turbulent currents. That motion generates electrical currents. They, in turn, generate
Earth’s magnetic field. For reasons somehow related to the outer core, Earth’s magnetic
field reverses about every 200,000 to 300,000 years. Scientists are still working to
understand how that happens.

 The mantle:

At close to 3,000 kilometers (1,865 miles) thick, this is Earth’s thickest layer. It starts a
mere 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) beneath the surface. Made mostly of iron, magnesium and
silicon, it is dense, hot and semi-solid (think caramel candy). Like the layer below it, this
one also circulates. It just does so far more slowly.

Near its upper edges, somewhere between about 100 and 200 kilometers (62 to 124 miles)
underground, the mantle’s temperature reaches the melting point of rock. Indeed, it forms
a layer of partially melted rock known as the asthenosphere (As-THEEN-oh-sfeer).
Geologists believe this weak, hot, slippery part of the mantle is what Earth’s tectonic
plates ride upon and slide across.

Diamonds are tiny pieces of the mantle we can actually touch. Most form at depths above
200 kilometers (124 miles). But rare “super-deep” diamonds may have formed as far down
as 700 kilometers (435 miles) below the surface. These crystals are then brought to the
surface in volcanic rock known as kimberlite.

The mantle’s outermost zone is relatively cool and rigid. It behaves more like the crust
above it. Together, this uppermost part of the mantle layer and the crust are known as the
lithosphere.

 The crust:

Earth’s crust is like the shell of a hard-boiled egg. It is extremely thin, cold and brittle
compared to what lies below it. The crust is made of relatively light elements, especially
silica, aluminum and oxygen. It’s also highly variable in its thickness. Under the oceans
(and Hawaiian Islands), it may be as little as 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) thick. Beneath the
continents, the crust may be 30 to 70 kilometers (18.6 to 43.5 miles) thick.

Along with the upper zone of the mantle, the crust is broken into big pieces, like a gigantic
jigsaw puzzle. These are known as tectonic plates. These move slowly — at just 3 to 5
centimeters (1.2 to 2 inches) per year. What drives the motion of tectonic plates is still not
fully understood. It may be related to heat-driven convection currents in the mantle below.
Some scientists think it’s caused by the tug from slabs of crust of different densities,
something called “slab pull.” In time, these plates will converge, pull apart or slide past
each other. Those actions cause most earthquakes and volcanoes. It’s a slow ride, but it
makes for exciting times here on Earth’s surface.

Why is it important to study the layers of the Earth?


Studying the interior and exterior structure of Earth provides us with a better
understanding of Earth, helps us to understand earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics,
how the atmosphere formed, and to study earth's magnetic fields.

Learning Assessment
Directions: Read each question carefully and encircle the letter of the correct answer in
your answer sheet.

1. Which of the following is NOT one of the Earth’s layers?


a. Inner core
b. Crust
c. Inner mantle
d. Mantle

2. Starting with the outermost layer, what is the order of the Earth’s layers?
a. Core, Mantle, Crust
b. Crust, Upper mantle, Lower mantle, Outer core, Inner core
c. Mantle, Inner crust, Core
d. Crust, Inner core, Mantle

3. The core of the Earth is made up almost completely of which element?


a. Iron
b. Granite
c. Sulfur
d. Calcium
4. Which layer of the earth is the thickest?
a. Mantle
b. Core
c. Crust
d. All layers are the same thickness

5. Which of the earth’s layers is liquid?


a. Mantle
b. Lower crust
c. Outer core
d. Inner core

Answer Keys:
1. C
2. A
3. A
4. A
5. C

REMINDERS:
FONT STYLE: BOOKMAN OLD STYLE
FONT SIZE: 12

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