How to Make a Model of the Earth
Sometimes it's difficult for students to picture the layers of the Earth. Since these layers are not readily visible, you will need to make a cut-away. This model can be made by children as young as second grade, but even those in high school will appreciate its simplicity. These models are best made in groups of three to five. One of the benefits of this project is that it can be eaten by the students once they have made it.
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Things You'll Need
- Per model:
- Gum drop or gummy candy
- Large mixing bowl
- 13 marshmallows (large)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cups crisped rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
- Sharp knife
- Chocolate candy coating (such as Magic Shell)
- Microwave oven
- Spoon
- Plate
- Freezer
Instructions
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1
Use the knife to cut a slit in one of the large marshmallows and stuff the gum drop (or gummy candy) into the slit. This gum drop will be the inner core of the Earth, and the marshmallow is the outer core.
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2
Microwave the remaining 12 marshmallows and the butter in a microwave-safe bowl on high power for three minutes, stirring after every minute.
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3
Mix the crispy rice cereal into the melted butter and marshmallows until thoroughly coated. Let cool for a minute.
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4
Wet hands and form the cereal mixture into a ball around the marshmallow with the gum drop in it. The rice and marshmallow mixture is the Earth's mantle.
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5
Put the model Earth on a plate in the freezer for 15-20 minutes or until hard and cold.
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6
Remove the model from the freezer and pour the chocolate candy shell over it. Be sure to coat all sides. This should harden into a thin shell that will, in about five minutes, become the Earth's crust. You can return the model to the freezer for about five minutes if the candy coating does not form a crust.
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7
Use the knife to cut the model in half. This will expose the various "layers of Earth" so that the students can see the candy inner core, the marshmallow outer core, the crispy rice cereal treat mantle, and the chocolate crust.
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