Dig Deep! Exploring the Layers of Earth

Class Description

Age: 6-9 years old 45 minutes What’s hiding beneath our feet? Earth may look like one giant solid ball, but there’s a whole lot going on beneath the surface! In this hands-on science class, learners will take a journey deep inside our planet as we explore the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. We’ll discover what each layer is made of, how the layers are different, and how the movement and heat deep inside Earth connect to fascinating things we see on the surface—including volcanoes, earthquakes, and tectonic plates. We’ll begin with an engaging, interactive lesson using visuals, diagrams, questions, and interesting facts. Learners will have plenty of opportunities to share their ideas, ask questions, and investigate what makes our planet so dynamic. Then it’s time to build our own Earth! Using colorful clay, learners will create a model showing the different layers of our planet. Once their model is complete, they’ll carefully cut it in half to reveal the layers hidden inside—creating their very own Earth cross-section. No prior science knowledge is needed. Just bring your curiosity and get ready to dig deep, get a little messy, and discover what’s happening beneath the surface of our amazing planet! What learners will explore: The four main layers of Earth What each layer is made of How the layers differ Earth's heat and what happens deep below the surface How Earth's layers connect to volcanoes, earthquakes, and tectonic plates How scientists use models and cross-sections to understand what they can't see directly Supplies: Different colors of modeling clay or play dough and a piece of string. A few additional simple supplies may be helpful but are not required. This class meets live online for one session, offering learners a focused and engaging learning experience in a single meeting. The session is held via Pencil Spaces, making it easy for families to join from anywhere. Pencil Spaces is used to post announcements, supply lists, and any helpful resources, as well as to support communication between learners, families, and the teacher before and after class, so everyone feels prepared and connected.