Looking Inside the Earth

Build a model of the earth's crust with Crayola® Model Magic®.

• 1.

  Find out how the earth's layers tell the story of any part of the planet, from millions of years ago until today. Explore how sedimentary rock was created, and how land is built up and eroded by water or ice, in a process of constant change.

• 2.

  Use Crayola Model Magic to form a cross-section sculpture that demonstrates knowledge of the relationship between water and land. To create a hollow model, use a cardboard base and form the Model Magic around a support such as a drinking straw or twig. Include features both above and below ground.

• 3.

  Some possibilities to create: Simulate rock pieces that were pressed into layers of solid rock. Embed small fossils. Demonstrate the effects of erosion and weathering on the surface. Depict underground rivers and lakes. Create underground caves to show the effects of water on limestone. Show how dripping water leaves deposits of calcium carbonate, forming stalactites and stalagmites. Dry overnight.

• 4.

  Cover the work area with recycled newspaper. Paint the model using Crayola Washable Watercolors and Watercolor Brushes.

Benefits

• Children add to their understanding of sedimentary rock strata beneath the earth's surface.
• Students demonstrate their knowledge by creating a 3-dimensional model of the earth's crust.

Adaptations

• Visit a cave and go spelunking or tour a local quarry. Or have a spelunker visit, show photographs, demonstrate equipment, and describe exciting caving experiences.
• Visit a construction site that is being excavated. Look at the layers of soil and rocks. Sketch the layers. Research local history and study topographic maps. Write and illustrate an underground history of the community.
• Study fossils of plants and animals. Make fossil replicas with crayon rubbings or Crayola Model Magic impressions of objects.