American Museum of Natural History: 9th Grade

 

Layers of the Earth

 

 

Grade Level: 9th

Time Requirements: Previsit: 23 classes; Visit:  23 hours;  PostVisit: 23 classes

Materials: computer, Internet access, markers, pencils, paper, and clipboards

 

Previous knowledge: Students will already have an understanding of the formation of the earth as well as plate tectonics. 

 

Previsit:

For this lesson we will discuss the 3 major types of rocks found on the earth,

 

1.    Igneous: form when magma solidifies either on the surface of a planet or within the planet

2.    Sedimentary: forms when sediments lithify or turn into rock

3.    Metamorphic: when other rocks are heated and or squeezed, usually formed deep within the earth where the heat and pressure are intense

 

We will also discuss how geologists find clues to the earth’s history in the rocks.

By looking at the patterns of the rocks in the different layers of the earth

Also looking at the substances found in each layer (chemicals, fossils, impressions) and their location within the layer

Discuss why the Grand Canyon is such a good example of the earth’s history

 

Before going to the museum, we will also spend time looking at the Gottesman Hall of Planet earth website: www.amnh.org/rose/hope and also take time to work on some activities from the AMNH activity magazine, Our Dynamic Planet, at amnh.org/explore/ourdynamicplanet.

 

Pose these questions to the class:

Students will brainstorm ingroups and come up with possible answers, which they will share with the class.

 

 

Visit to the American Museum of Natural History: Hall of the Planet Earth:

While at the museum students will be asked to find the answers to the questions we posed in class as well as draw an outline of the layers of the Grand Canyon.  They will need a sheet of paper, pencil, and something to write on. 

 

Followup: When we return to class students will be asked to get back into their groups and using the answers they got at the museum they will be asked to create a “slice of the earth”, using a graphic tool on the computer (i.e. mspaint) and label each layer with a description of how and why it is there.  They will then be asked to email their “layers of the earth” to me and I will post the pictures on the class webpage.


MainMenu | About MSTEP | Lessons & Activities
Standards | Resources | Staff | Submit | Contact

MSTEP Webmaster | NYU home page | School of Education | School of Education Webmaster