We’re creating layers of the earth with playdough for an easy earth science activity. Also, look at my page Free Earth Science Lapbook & Unit Study Ideas.
Teaching abstract concepts is not always easy but a hands-on activity like using playdough sparks curiosity.
And while playdough is a fun medium, it’s not only for young learners. A visual is a great teaching tool to help elementary visual what our Earth looks like.
Besides, the Earth’s layers—inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust—can feel like invisible ideas when using a textbook.
Too, your younger learners will love the sensory experience, and your older learners can label the parts and compare Earth to other planets.
And whatever topics you’re covering this easy hands-on idea is a fun introductory activity to geology, or activity for a fun read aloud or to accompany a simple earth science lab.
EARTH SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS
And use one of these books as a spine to your study for the day.
I always prefer living books when I can find them.
9 Books for Kids Who Love to Read About Earth Science Topics
Add these books to your learning day to learn about various earth science topics.
The wonders of plant and animal life told with rare literary charm by Uncle Paul in conversations with three children. Besides such stories as the ants' subterranean city, the spider's suspension bridge, and the caterpillars' processing, he unlocks the mystery behind thunder and lightning, clouds and rain, the year and its seasons, and volcanoes and earthquakes. Suitable for ages 9 to 12.
Some earthquakes are so small that you don’t even feel them, while others can make even big buildings shake. Learn why earthquakes happen, where they are most likely to occur, and what to do if one happens near you.
Now with updated text and art, this classic picture book describes the causes and effects of earthquakes (including a tsunami). This book features rich vocabulary and fascinating cross-sections of mountains, volcanoes, and faults in the earth’s moving crust.
This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. The text and art were vetted by Dr. Roland Burgmann, Professor of the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of California, Berkeley.
A republication of the 1958 book by Irene Sevrey with illustrations by Mildred Waltrip, The First Book of the Earth is an elementary level natural history book that was written during a time when children's books held a student's interest and imagination because they were "living" rather than simply based on factoids and vivid pictures. It is a wonderful introduction to the subject of geology and covers the earth as a planet in the solar system and the physics of how it circles the sun, thereby defining our days and years. It then moves on to describing the earth's origin as scientists understand it and takes up the topics of the earth's composition, its structure, molecular makeup, rock families, minerals, volcanoes and earthquakes, mountains and their formation, and how glaciers and rivers affect the shaping of the earth's surface. The book ends by briefly discussing dinosaurs and the possible aging techniques used to date the earth's age in terms of epochs or periods.
This handy identification guide to the most common kinds of rocks and minerals offers concise and fascinating information on:- Physical and chemical properties- Origins and geologic significance- Gems and semiprecious stones- How to find and collect specimens
Beginning with Mt. Vesuvius, whose eruption in Roman times helped spark the science of geology, and ending in a lab in the West of England where mathematical models and lab experiments replace direct observation, Richard Fortey tells us what the present says about ancient geologic processes. He shows how plate tectonics came to rule the geophysical landscape and how the evidence is written in the hills and in the stones. And in the process, he takes us on a wonderful journey around the globe to visit some of the most fascinating and intriguing spots on the planet.
A book about caves with drawings for young readers with a vocabulary list and definition at the end.
A guide to familiar minerals, gems, ores, and rocks enhanced by 400 full color illustrations. Provides much geological knowledge in how to look for surface forms, rocks, minerals etc. Includes information for the searcher and an useful list of clubs and organizations. Excellent bibliography and index.
For Vega and her family, salmon is life. And Vega is learning to be a salmon finder, preparing for the day when she will be her family’s matriarch. But then she and her brother Deneb are separated from their pod when a devastating earthquake and tsunami render the seascape unrecognizable. Vega must use every skill she has to lead her brother back to their family. The young orcas face a shark attack, hunger, the deep ocean, and polluted waters on their journey. Will Vega become the leader she’s destined to be?
A living book on the living earth. Told in a conversational style, the book discusses the topics of geology and provides ideas for investigations and demonstrations of the scientific principles. Illustrated throughout, this book is a favorite as an introduction to geology for young readers. This edition includes updated science information on plate tectonics and the structure of the earth.
Then, look at more earth science activities.
EARTH SCIENCE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
- How to Make an Edible Kindergarten Earth Science Tectonic Plate Activity
- Another great edible activity is How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids to demonstrate each layer.
- 40 Awesome Earth Science Movies for Kindergarten
- Rock Activities For Kindergarten And Fun Edible Rock Cycle
- Edible Rock Cycle Fudge and Hands-on Rock Activities
- Free Homeschool Geology Unit Study And Easy DIY Eggshell Geode
And also look at these playdough learning activities.
PLAYDOUGH LEARNING ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
Finally, look at how to do layers of the earth playdough activity.
LAYERS OF THE EARTH PLAYDOUGH ACTIVITY
Supply List
- Red playdough
- Orange playdough
- Yellow playdough
- Brown playdough
- Blue playdough
- Green playdough
- Playdough knife
Start by forming a small red ball of playdough. This will represent Earth’s inner core.
Roll out a piece of orange playdough into a flat circle. Wrap it around the red ball to create the outer core layer.
Roll out yellow playdough. Wrap this around the orange layer to form the mantle.
Roll out brown playdough next and wrap it around the yellow layer. This becomes the crust.
Roll out a layer of blue playdough and wrap it over the brown ball to create the ocean layer.
Use green playdough to shape simple continents. Press them gently onto the blue surface.
Once your Earth is complete, use a playdough knife to cut the ball in half and reveal all the colorful layers inside.
