Earth’s Structure and Position

WALT

We Are Learning To understand the Earth’s structure and its position in the solar system.

National Curriculum Links

This lesson links to the National Curriculum for Geography (Years 3-6 Programme of Study):

Locational knowledge: Locate the world’s countries, focusing on their environmental regions, key physical and human characteristics, and major cities.
Geographical skills and fieldwork: Use maps, atlases, globes, and digital/computer mapping to locate countries and describe features.
Understanding the Earth: Pupils should extend their knowledge and understanding beyond the local environment to include the Earth’s structure and its place in the solar system.

Specifically addresses:

Key Stage 2 Geography: Pupils learn to describe and understand key aspects of physical geography, including the Earth’s structure (crust, mantle, core) and its position relative to the sun.

Learning Objectives

Describe the different layers of the Earth: crust, mantle, outer core, inner core.
Explain the Earth’s position within the solar system.
Understand how the Earth’s position affects day and night.
Use models and diagrams to represent the Earth’s structure and position.

Success Criteria

I can name and describe the four main layers of the Earth.
I can explain where the Earth is in the solar system.
I can describe why we have day and night based on the Earth’s rotation.
I can use a labelled diagram or model to show the Earth’s layers and position in space.

Resources

3D model kit of Earth’s layers (or coloured playdough for modelling)
Globe
Torch or lamp (to simulate the sun)
Worksheets with diagrams for labelling layers and solar system placement
Dyslexia-friendly texts with clear fonts, spacing and supportive images
Whiteboard and pens
Tablet or laptop (optional for interactive solar system simulation)

Lesson Outline (30 minutes)

1. Introduction & Hook (5 minutes)

Start by asking: What shape is the Earth? What do you think it is made of inside?
Show a globe and explain: Earth isn’t just a solid ball; it has layers.
Introduce the WALT and success criteria on the board.
Explanation connecting to everyday life: Day and night happen because the Earth spins on its axis—this links to its position in the solar system.

2. Teaching Input (10 minutes)

Physical model presentation:
- Use the 3D Earth model or coloured playdough to show layers.
- Label: crust (outer layer we live on), mantle (hot, flowing rock), outer core (liquid metal), inner core (solid metal, very hot).
- Use a simple analogy: Earth is like a chocolate with different layers inside.
Solar system positioning:
- Place the globe next to the lamp (sun).
- Demonstrate Earth’s rotation and orbit.
- Explain day and night by shining the lamp and rotating the globe slowly.
Check understanding with questions.

3. Guided Practice (8 minutes)

Pupils work in pairs or individually on worksheets:
- Label the Earth’s layers on a diagram.
- Colour code each layer.
- Answer simple questions about the Earth’s position: Which planet is Earth? Why do we have day and night?
Support students with dyslexia-friendly texts and vocabulary cards.

4. Differentiation and Support

For learners needing support:
- Provide simplified diagrams.
- Use physical playdough model to reinforce concepts.
- Pair reading tasks with audio support.
For advanced learners:
- Challenge to explain the difference between inner and outer core states and why.
- Task: Describe how Earth’s tilt affects seasons (linked to position in solar system).

5. Plenary & Assessment (7 minutes)

Ask each student to explain one layer of the Earth and the Earth’s position in the solar system.
Use quick quiz or flashcards to assess knowledge.
Pupils share one thing they found interesting.
Extension: Encourage pupils to create a mini model or digital poster at home about Earth’s layers or its position in the solar system.

Extension Activity

Research one other planet’s position in the solar system and present differences in structure or size compared to Earth.

Dyslexia-Friendly Strategies

Use clear, large fonts and bullet points on worksheets.
Provide key vocabulary with visuals.
Break texts into short sentences.
Colour code Earth’s layers consistently in text and model.
Use multisensory approaches (visual, tactile with model).

This lesson plan offers an interactive, visual, and tactile approach to understanding the Earth’s internal structure and placement in the solar system, aligned with the National Curriculum for England and personalised to a small class setting with varied learner needs.