New
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The structure of the Earth
I can explain how Earth has different layers, each of which has distinctive characteristics.
Lesson 1 of 12
New
New
- Year 10
- Edexcel B
The structure of the Earth
I can explain how Earth has different layers, each of which has distinctive characteristics.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Earth has a layered structure.
- The layers of Earth have different physical properties (temperature, density, composition, physical state).
Keywords
Lithosphere - the rigid outer layer of Earth which includes the crust
Asthenosphere - a semi-solid layer of Earth's upper mantle
Common misconception
The inner core is hotter than the outer core so the inner core must be liquid (molten rock) while the outer core is solid rock.
In fact, although the inner core is hotter than the outer core, the inner core is solid while the outer core is molten and liquid. This is because the pressure is so great in the inner core that it prevents the rock from melting.
Liaise with science colleagues to see what students have already been taught about this topic in KS3 and KS4.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is Earth made of?
What is Earth made of?
water and air
fire and ice
soil and plants
Q2.Which of the following is not part of Earth's structure?
Which of the following is not part of Earth's structure?
crust
mantle
core
Q3.Earth's is its outermost layer.
Earth's is its outermost layer.
Q4.The mantle is mostly made of ...
The mantle is mostly made of ...
gases
solid rock
solid iron
Q5.Match the layer of Earth with its correct physical state.
Match the layer of Earth with its correct physical state.
Q6.The inner of Earth is responsible for most of the planet's internal heat.
The inner of Earth is responsible for most of the planet's internal heat.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Earth has a layered structure, put it in order from the surface to the centre ...
Earth has a layered structure, put it in order from the surface to the centre ...
Q2.Match the layer to its correct physical state.
Match the layer to its correct physical state.
Q3.Why is the crust's composition different from the mantle's?
Why is the crust's composition different from the mantle's?
Q4.Match the layers to their correct composition:
Match the layers to their correct composition:
