Here is the information needed to complete the "Layers of the Earth" chart. I have broken it down by layer so you can fill in the boxes easily.
1. Crust
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State: Solid
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Temperature: Cool (It gets hotter as you go deeper, ranging from air temperature up to about 870°C / 1600°F).
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Composition: Rock (mostly granite and basalt). This is where we live!
2. Mantle
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State: Mostly Solid (but very hot rock that can flow slowly like thick toothpaste or putty).
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Temperature: Hot (from about 870°C to 3700°C / 1600°F to 6700°F).
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Composition: Silicate rocks rich in iron and magnesium.
3. Outer Core
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State: Liquid
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Temperature: Very Hot (from about 3700°C to 4300°C / 6700°F to 7800°F).
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Composition: Liquid metals (mostly Iron and Nickel).
4. Inner Core
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State: Solid
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Temperature: Extremely Hot (about 5000°C to 6000°C / 9000°F to 10800°F). It is as hot as the surface of the sun!
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Composition: Solid metals (mostly Iron and Nickel). Even though it is super hot, the pressure is so high that it stays solid.
Final Answer:
Crust: Solid | Cool | Rock
Mantle: Solid (flows slowly) | Hot | Silicate Rock
Outer Core: Liquid | Very Hot | Iron and Nickel
Inner Core: Solid | Extremely Hot | Iron and Nickel
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of layers of the earth worksheet middle school.
