Have you ever thought about what you are standing on? Do you know what’s underneath that and then underneath that? Learn about the layers of the earth for kids, and make an easy hands-on layers of the earth model with basic Lego bricks. This is a fantastic geology activity for multiple ages!

Pin

Earth’s Layers For Kids

How can you learn about something you can’t even see? Build a model with LEGO, of course! This layers of the earth project is a simple way to explore the structure of the planet. Create a slice of it with LEGO that shows what’s beneath the earth’s surface. Learn about the composition of the layers of the earth.

Just one of many fun geology activities for kids!

Our science 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. The great thing is kids can generally figure out their own version all by themselves.

You can use this simple model below for a layers of the earth science project or as a 3D diagram for teaching the layers of the earth to kids. Get kids demonstrate what they have learnt when they make their own model.

We also 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 each worked on a LEGO earth slice for our layers of the earth activity, and we worked together to look up the layers and pick colors. Add a safe internet search about the structure of the earth to extend the learning.

My son enjoyed making the Earth while we guided him with the shape and helped trouble shoot with him. He did the same for us too! 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!

Let’s make a model of the earth, without using Styrofoam and learn what the layers of the earth are with this hands-on science activity.

Also check out more easy Lego STEM building ideas!

layers of earth activity for kidsPin

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.

LEGO layers of the earth activity for kids earth science projectPin

Facts About The Earth’s Layers

The Crust

The crust is a thin cool but hard layer that covers the mantle, and is made of the ocean basins and the continental plates. The oceanic crust is 3 miles (5km) to 6 miles (10km) thick, and the continental crust is 20 miles (30km) to 30 miles (50km) thick.

The crust is made up of many different types of rocks that fall into three main categories: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary.

Learn more about the different types of rocks…

The Mantle

The mantle which is underneath the crust, is about 1,800 miles deep (2,890 km). It is mostly solid and made of silicate rocks rich in magnesium and iron. The mantles makes up two thirds of the earth’s mass.

One way scientists learn about the earth’s mantle is to study earthquakes and look at how the waves move through rock.

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.

Enjoy a volcano experiment, and learn more about volcanoes…

The Core

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

The earth’s core has a radius of about 3,485 kilometers (2,165 miles). That’s about the same size as the moon! The temperature of the earth’s core is around 4000 degrees Celsius to 6,100 degrees C. That is hot!

LEGO layers of the earth activity for earth science lesson on the crustPin

Get Your Free Printable Layers of the Earth Worksheet Pack!

Tips for a Layers of the Earth Science Project

Science projects are an excellent tool for kids to show what they know about science! Plus, they can be used in all sorts of environments including classrooms, homeschool, and groups.

Kids can take everything they have learned about using the scientific method, stating a hypothesis, choosing variables, and analyzing and presenting data.

Want to turn this model into an awesome science fair project? Check out these helpful resources.

How To Build A Model Of The Earth’s Layers

  • Choose a brick color to represent each layer of the earth.
  • The crust will have 2 colors – for ocean and land.
  • The mantle will have 2 colors – upper and lower mantle.
  • Can you come up with another idea for representing volcanoes?
  • The core will have 2 colors – inner and outer core.

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

LEGO layers of earth activity and hands on science ideaPin

More Fun Geology Activities For Kids

When you finish this edible plate tectonics activity, why not explore more earth science with one of these ideas below. You can find all our earth science activities for kids here!

Make your own tasty sedimentary rock to explore geology.

Explore all the stages of the rock cycle with crayon rock cycle!

Why not grow sugar crystals or make edible geodes!

Explore the layers of soil with simple LEGO bricks.

Learn all about volcanos with these volcano facts and even make your own volcano.

Grab some colored sand and glue for this fun layers of the earth activity.

Learn about how fossils are formed.

Click on the link or on the image below for tons of fun STEM projects for kids.

4 Comments

  1. Pingback: 20+ Hands-on Easy Ways to Teach Earth Science/Geology
  2. Pingback: Earth Day STEM Activities and Challenges for Kids
  3. Pingback: 20+ Hands-on Easy Ways to Teach Earth Science/Geology
  4. Pingback: 30+ Ways to Teach Geography Without a Textbook

Comments are closed.