A layer of dense rock found below the crust. Parts of it behave as a fluid over very long, geological time scales.

The outer core is a liquid layer of mostly iron and nickel that lies between the mantle and inner core.

The inner core is a solid ball of mostly iron that lies at the centre of Earth, within the outer core.

Used by scientists to represent parts of the natural world that are difficult to observe or explain directly.

Structure of Earth

Science

Inside rock

Rocks and minerals

Types of rocks

Tectonic plates

Igneous rock

Metamorphic rock

In the Carbon Cycle and Climate Change unit, pupils will build on their understanding of Earth's resources to learn about the formation of sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels, and the impact of burning fossil fuels within the carbon cycle.

In the key stage 2 Rocks unit, pupils learnt to compare and group rocks on the basis of their appearance and simple physical properties and that soil is made of rocks and organic matter.

This unit explores Earth's composition, structure, and rock cycle, including the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. It also examines Earth as a source of limited resources and the importance of recycling, alongside skills in making and evaluating observations and measurements.

Earth's resources

A layer of dense rock found below the crust.

A liquid layer of mostly iron and nickel.

A solid ball of mostly iron that lies at the centre of Earth.

Match the following key terms to their definition.

Models are easier to understand than real data.

Earth's structure cannot be observed directly.

Models are more accurate than measurements.

Earth's structure is simple and doesn't require models.

Why do scientists use models to study Earth's structure?

Which layer of Earth is partially covered in water?

The {{}} is a layer of dense rock below the crust that behaves as a fluid over very long geological time scales.

Because the additional layers are not important.

To make it easier to understand and study Earth's structure.

Because the additional layers do not affect Earth's overall structure.

To ignore the complexity of Earth's interior.

Why do scientists often simplify Earth's structure into four main layers (crust, mantle, outer core, inner core) even though there are many more sub-layers?

Temperature increases, but pressure decreases.

Temperature decreases, but pressure increases.

What happens to temperature and pressure as you go deeper towards Earth's centre?

Which planet is Earth in the order from the Sun?

Earth’s surface is mostly covered by {{}}.

Which of the following states of matter has a definite volume but no definite shape?

The {{}} of a material determines how much space it takes up.

A scientific {{}} is a representation of a part of the natural world that is difficult to observe directly.

Starter Quiz

Which planet is Earth in the order from the Sun?