Babel - Bringing Teachers Together

Have you ever been digging a hole and wondered what would happen if you just kept digging? Well, now is your time to find out! You have already briefly been introduced to the earth and what it is made of. You are now going to use that knowledge and your research skills to "dig deep" and explore the wonders of the layers of the earth and all they are composed of. Let's get started!

You will be on a research team of four people. Each person will have one "destination" (one of the four layers) to explore. It is your responsibility to collect and record data about your layer in order to convey the information to your teammates.

The four layers of the earth are:

(1) Crust

(2) Mantle

(3) Outer Core

(4) Inner Core

(1) Each person will choose a layer. If more than one person wants a layer, you must use your cooperative learning skills to work it out. (Or, put all the names on pieces of paper and randomly pick one.) :)

(2) You will use the provided links to discover all that you can about your layer. You are required to collect (but not limited to!) the following information:

-What your layer is made of

-What state of matter your layer is in (solid, liquid, gas)

-Where your layer is located in relation to the other layers

-The temperature in your layer

-The thickness of your layer

-How your layer impacts the other layers

-Any other interesting tidbits!

(3) Once you have collected your data, you will share it with your teammates. You wil then use your data and any other information you gathered from the other researchers on your team to create a travel brochure advertising your layer. Why should people travel to your layer? What interesting and unique features does it have to offer? Be sure to include written descriptions and illustrations. Be creative--you are trying to sell this "hot spot!"

(4) As a team, you will use your data to create a model of the earth. You must decide what materials you wish to use and be able to justify your choices. (See me if you need help gathering materials.) You will be working on this project at school, so please do not use any perishable items in your model. Once completed, you will present your models to the class and post your brochures in the hallway.

You will receive a test grade for this project that is determined by your two products:

(1) Brochure--you will be graded on accuracy of information, thoroughness (did you include all required information), and neatness/creativity.

(2) Project--you will be graded based on contribution (teacher evaluation) and creativity.

As the researcher responsible for the crust, you have a unique situation on your hands--life! Your layer is the only known layer to have living creatures on it. In addition to the required information stated in the Process, check out the impact that the crust's movement has on the earth. For your brochure, you can speak from experience about traveling to the crust! While researching, think of everyday items that are similar to the crust that you might be able to use for your model.

As the researcher responsible for the mantle, you get to explore how your layer directly impacts the crust, and therefore, human life! The mantle has so many things going on! Make sure you include all of the information and the Process section, and have fun exploring!

As researcher number 3, you are responsible for discovering all you can about the outer core. This layer is not what you would expect! It has some very interesting features! Be sure to compare it to the inner core. Also, make sure you collect all required data from the Process section. Happy exploring!

You are the researcher for the inner core--the center of it all! You must travel all the way to the center of the earth to collect your data. You will probably be surprised by some of the things you learn! As you are researching, be sure to see how the inner core compares and contrasts with the outer core. Good luck!

Congratulations! You have now completed your journey through the layers of the earth! You should be tired and VERY hot by this point! You now know the deep, dark secrets that lie beneath the dirt. This will make for great connections in your interactive notebook! Way to go!

Science SOL 5.7The student will investigate and understand how the Earth’s surface is constantly changing. c)the basic structure of the Earth’s interior

Science SOL 5.1The student will plan and conduct investigations in whiche)data are collected, recorded, and reported using the appropriate graphical representation (graphs, charts, diagrams)