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Earth's Layers Assessment Worksheet

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Earth's Layers Assessment Worksheet

Read the short science notes, then complete each task to show what you know about Earth's layers. For the rating questions, choose the statement that best matches your current understanding. Use the final questions to plan your next step.

Science notes

Earth has four main layers. The crust is the thin, solid surface where we live. The mantle is a very thick layer of hot rock that can slowly move. The outer core is hot liquid metal. The inner core is solid metal at the centre. Some volcanoes in Aotearoa New Zealand, including those in the Tongariro area, are linked to processes deep inside Earth. A simple model can help us think about layers, but it cannot show every detail of the real Earth.

1.Starting at Earth's surface and moving towards the centre, write the four layers in the correct order.

2.Match each Earth layer to the best description.

Crust
Mantle
Outer core
Inner core

Solid metal at Earth's centre
Thin, solid surface
Very thick layer of hot rock
Hot liquid metal

3.Which layer is the thin, solid surface where people live?

Crust
Mantle
Outer core
Inner core

4.The outer core is liquid, while the inner core is solid.

TrueFalse

5.Complete the sentence: The is a very thick layer of hot rock, and it lies between the crust and the outer core.

6.Hana makes a model with a small solid ball in the middle, a ring of liquid-looking material around it, and thick layers outside. Which part should represent the inner core, and why?

7.Tane hears that volcanoes in the Tongariro area are connected with processes deep inside Earth. Which layer is the thick layer of hot rock beneath the crust that helps explain this connection?

8.Aisha says, “The crust is the thickest layer because it is the part we can stand on.” Explain why her idea is mistaken.

9.Draw a simple cutaway of Earth with four layers. Label each layer and use arrows or words to show which layer is liquid and which is solid metal.

10.Choose one statement that best describes your learning today: I can name all four layers and describe a feature of each; I can name some layers and am practising their order; or I am beginning to learn the layer names. Then write one useful next step for learning about Earth's layers.