The motion of tectonic plates, and consequently the movement of continents, is driven by convection in the interior of our planet. In this app, students explore the physical attributes of each of Earth’s layers.
Starting with the atmosphere, properties of each layer are described and illustrated with drawings and animations. Interior layers including the crust, lithosphere, mantle, and core are examined. For each layer composition, depth, and temperature are discussed. Subdivisions within each layer are illustrated such as the difference between oceanic and continental crust. Students see how scientific measurements of seismic waves are used to determine the structure of Earth’s layers.
Along the way, students are encouraged to answer essay questions that involve critical thinking skills. The student’s answers are saved (in a notebook) and these entries may be shared.
Quiz questions are used to assess student understanding; quiz answers and scores may also be shared.
NGSS:
ESS2.A Earth Materials and Systems