7th grade, Standard 2, Objective 2

Performance Test-Model of Earth

Description: Students will design and build a two-dimensional model of Earth’s interior. They will include crust, mantle, core (inner and outer) and atmosphere. Layers will be organized by density.

Time Required: (2) 50 minute periods

Student Background: The students should have discussed and experimented with density. They should know the various layers of the earth’s crust. Students should be familiar with depth, temperature, material and pressure as they relate to the structure of the earth. Students need to reference a diagram of the earth’s interior and organization.

Materials: Have available for the students a variety of materials. They may use styrofoam, packing materials, clay, colored paper, compasses, metric rulers, markers and colored pencils. Students may bring other items as well.

Advance Preparation: Gather and organize materials for each group. Copy student response sheets. Provide paper and compasses.

Procedure:

1.Hand out student response sheets and briefly explain procedure.

2.Explain where materials are found. Explain to students that they must provide any materials not provided by teacher

3.Assign students to groups if needed.

4. Give students time to plan their model. Allow a day or so to collect materials before continuing on.

Scoring Guide:

30points total:

1.Materials ………………………….…………………………………..4 pts

2.Drawing………………………………………………………………..3 pts

3.Analysis questions correctly answered……………………………..4 pts

4..Conclusion written …………………………………………………...2 pts

5.Model Earth……………………………….…………………………..15 pts

Layers to scale……………………………….5 pts

Labeled……………………………………….2 pts

Density differences correctly modeled…….5 pts

Neatness……………………………………..3 pts

Sample Student Response Sheet

Name ______Period______

Model of the Earth

Introduction: How can you model the Earth’s interior and show the differences in density? What materials can you use for building your model?

Procedure:

1. Work with your group and decide what materials you will use that your teacher has provided and which things you will bring from home to create your model. Write them down on materials.

2. Draw a picture of what it will look like. The layers of Earth should be the correct thickness.

3. Build your model.

Materials:

Data:Drawing

(label the layer and what

it is made of)

Analysis:

1 How does density affect organization of the earth?

2.Which layer is the densest?

3.Why does the crust float on the mantle?

Conclusion: