Science Sunday – Earth’s Geology

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:

1. What is the difference between igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks?
2. Describe the similarities and differences between the various layers of the Earth. 
3. 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? 
4. 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:
  • https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/metamorphic-rocks/
  • https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/igneous-rocks/ 
  • https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/sedimentary-rock/  
• 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:
  • https://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/kidsyouth/volcanoes-for-kids.htm 
  • https://www.nps.gov/subjects/volcanoes/visit.htm 

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 

Gabbro https://www.flickr.com/photos/jsjgeology/16541055767 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mayon_Volcano_Eruption_4.jpg