The structure of the Earth
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Earth has different layers, each of which has distinctive characteristics.
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.
Teacher tip
Liaise with science colleagues to see what students have already been taught about this topic in KS3 and KS4.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is Earth made of?
Q2.Which of the following is not part of Earth's structure?
Q3.Earth's is its outermost layer.
Q4.The mantle is mostly made of ...
Q5.Match the layer of Earth with its correct physical state.
solid
solid
liquid
liquid
Q6.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 ...
Q2.Match the layer to its correct physical state.
solid
semi-solid
liquid
Q3.Why is the crust's composition different from the mantle's?
Q4.Match the layers to their correct composition:
silicates (mainly oxygen, silicon, aluminium)
silicates (oxygen, silicon, magnesium, iron)
liquid iron and nickel
solid iron and nickel
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: The structure of the Earth, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: The structure of the Earth, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 geography lessons from the Tectonic hazards unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.