How to Make a Clay Model of the Earth

The Earth is composed of layers not visible from the surface.

Model-making is an effective way to teach kids about science. Make a model of the Earth showing all the layers of the planet from the inner core to the crust. This model helps teach kids what the layers of the planets are and how thick and thin they are, comparatively. The layers represented are the inner core, the outer core, the mantle and the crust. The colors represent temperature: the core is red and is the hottest layer, while the orange mantle is the second hottest and the blue crust is the coolest layer.

Things You'll Need

• Red clay
• Orange clay
• Blue clay
• Sharp knife
• Marble

Instructions

1. Roll a ball of red clay in both hands to make a ball 1 inch in diameter.

2. Roll a ball of orange clay 4 inches in diameter. Press it on a flat surface to create a disc.

3. Fold the disc around the red ball and roll in your hands until the orange clay is smooth and even around the red clay ball.

4. Flatten small pieces of blue clay until they are 1/4 inch thick and stick to the orange clay one piece at a time until all of the orange clay is covered in one layer of blue clay.

5. Cut 1/4 of the globe out with a sharp knife so that all layers are visible.

6. Press the marble into the center of the red clay "outer core."

7. Allow to dry at room temperature for 24 hours.

References

• University of Alaska Geophysical Institute: Clay Model Earth
• Purdue University: 3-D Earth Structure Model
• GIS Day: Clay Earth Models