Science Sunday: Earth’s Geology
The Earth is fascinating! Although scientists have only dug about 8 miles beneath the surface (within Earth’s outer layer called the “crust”), we know that there are layers of molten rock far beneath us and also a solid metal core in the center of our planet. Rock formation, earthquakes & volcanoes, and geothermal energy are just a few of the interesting geology topics we can learn about.
See if you can answer these questions using the resources below:
- What is the difference between igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks?
- Describe the similarities and differences between the various layers of the Earth.
- Explain what geothermal energy is and describe how geothermal energy can be used to create electricity. Why should governments consider using more geothermal energy sources?
- Name at least three volcanoes in the United States. Which states have the most volcanoes?
Read About It
Structure and layers of the Earth:
- https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/geography/physical-geography/structure-of-the-earth/
- https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/crust/print/
- https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/core/
- https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/explainer-earth-layer-layer
How Geothermal Energy works:
- Geothermal Energy: A Student’s Guide: https://archive.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/solutions/technologies/geothermal.html
- Kids Discover: https://kidsdiscover.com/teacherresources/whats-good-and-whats-bad-about-geothermal-energy/
- U.S. Energy Information Administration: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/geothermal/geothermal-power-plants.php
Types of Rocks:
- National Geographic:
- United States Geological Survey:
- https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-are-igneous-rocks?qt-news_science_products=0#qt-news_science_products
- https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-are-metamorphic-rocks-0?qt-news_science_products=0#qt-news_science_products
- https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-are-sedimentary-rocks-0?qt-news_science_products=0#qt-news_science_products
- National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/igneous.htm
Volcanoes: Did you know that there are 161 potentially active volcanoes in the United States??
- United States Geological Survey: https://www.usgs.gov/volcano
- NASA: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/volcanoes2/en/
- Volcano Diagram: https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/64/gip64.pdf
- National Park Service – Volcanoes for Kids:
Play & Learn
Building & Crafts
- Layers of the Earth craft https://www.survivingateacherssalary.com/interactive-layers-earth-science-activity/
- Make a fan with earth’s layers: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/earth-fan/en/
- Layers of the Earth activities: https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/lego-layers-of-the-earth-activity/
- Earth’s core model with clay: https://www.bakerross.co.uk/craft-ideas/teachers/earths-core-model/
Experiments
- Erupting Volcano: https://sciencebob.com/make-your-own-volcano/
Games:
- University of Oregon Volcano Games: https://volcano.oregonstate.edu/volcano-games
- National Geographic Volcano Quiz: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/games/quizzes/article/quiz-whiz-volcanoes
- BrainPop Time Zone X Volcanoes: https://www.brainpop.com/games/timezonexvolcanoes/?topic_id=
Fun Activities (coloring pages, word searches, etc.)
- http://www.supercoloring.com/coloring-pages/paricutin-volcano-eruption?tag=57217
- http://www.getcoloringpages.com/volcano-coloring-pages
Learning Worksheets:
- https://www.uek12.org/Downloads/Layers%20of%20the%20Earth%20Packet.pdf
- https://superstarworksheets.com/geography-worksheets/layers-of-the-earth-worksheets/
- https://homeschoolgiveaways.com/2019/04/learning-about-the-layers-of-the-earth-with-free-printables/
Granite https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Granite_5_(48674315157).jpg
Basalt https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Basalt_6_(48674790187).jpg
Obsidian https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Black_obsidian.JPG
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Gabbro https://www.flickr.com/photos/jsjgeology/16541055767
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mayon_Volcano_Eruption_4.jpg
