3.2.

4 Lab:
Earth's Structure
and Cycles Wet Lab
MS Earth and Space Name:Benjamin
Science Sem 1 Date:10/21/2022

Modeling Lab: Using Models to Understand Earth's Structure

In this lab, you will make a 3D scale model of Earth's interior layers. You will also
describe how various materials can be used to model the physical characteristics of
each of Earth's layers.

You can think of Earth's layers in two ways: compositionally (in terms of what they are
made of) or mechanically (in terms of their physical properties). Earth's compositional
layers are the core, mantle, and crust. These layers differ in their chemical makeup.
Earth's mechanical layers include the inner core, outer core, mesosphere,
asthenosphere, and lithosphere. They differ in their physical properties. The
mesosphere, which means "middle sphere," is the layer of the mantle between the outer
core and the asthenosphere.

Safety

• Wear safety goggles.

• Follow safe practices during this investigation.

Materials

• Modeling clay, 5 different colors

• Sand or glitter
 • Rolling pin or another solid cylindrical object

• Nylon fishing line or dental floss

• Metric ruler

• Plastic knife

• Paper

• Marker

• Push pins

• Various materials (such as ball bearings, silly putty, guacamole, tortilla chips, etc.)
for modeling the physical properties of each layer

Procedure and Data (26 points)

1. Place all the materials on a flat surface. You will use all five colors of modeling clay to
build a 3D model of Earth's interior.

2. Study the data in the table below. The table shows the thickness of each mechanical
layer and the percentage of Earth's radius it makes up. It also shows what the diameter
of your model should be after you add each layer and what the thickness of each layer
should be. You will use these data to construct your model from the inside out. Be sure
to start with the inner core and end with the lithosphere, which includes the crust.

Mechanical Thickness Percentage of The thickness The totalr of

layer (km) Earth's radius model (cm) model (cm)
Inner core 1250 20% 1.5 3.0
Outer core 2200 35% 2.6 8.2
Mesosphere 2670 42% 3.2 14.6
Asthenospher
e 140 2% 0.2 15.0
 Lithosphere 80 1% 0.1 15.2

Part 1: Building Your Model

3. Choose a color of modeling clay to represent the inner core. Then use the palm of
your hand to roll some of the clay around on the work surface until it forms a sphere. Its
diameter should match the value shown in the table. Measure the sphere to see if its
diameter is correct. You may need to add or remove some clay and roll it into a sphere
again to get the right size.

4. Choose another color of clay to represent the outer core. Use the rolling pin to roll out
a flat circle with a diameter of at least 10 cm and a thickness that matches the value
shown in the table. Cut the clay circle into strips. Wrap the strips around the inner core
to form the next layer. Pinch off any excess clay, and add clay to fill in any gaps. Use
your fingers to smooth out the clay so that it forms an even layer. Measure the diameter
of your new sphere and compare it with the value shown in the table. You may need to
add or remove clay to make its diameter closer to the value in the table.

5. Repeat Step 4 for each of the remaining layers. Be sure that the thickness of each
circle of clay matches the thickness of that layer, as shown in the table. For the
mesosphere, the circle of clay should be at least 26 cm in diameter. For the
asthenosphere, it should be at least 46 cm in diameter. And for the lithosphere, it should
be at least 47 cm in diameter.

6. Spread out some sand on the work surface. Then roll your model across it so that the
outer surface is covered with a thin layer. What does this layer represent? (1 point)
7. Cut a length of nylon fishing line or dental floss about 30 cm long. Wrap each end
around one of your index fingers, and then pull on the ends to make it tight. Next, use
the line or floss to cut through your sphere and divide it into two equal halves.

8. Make a label for each of Earth's mechanical layers. Also make labels for the crust,
mantle, hottest layer, and coolest layer. Finally, make an arrow to show the direction of
energy flow. Use push pins to attach each label to its correct place on your model. In the
space below, attach a photo of your finished model or make a labeled drawing of it. (15
points)

Part 2: Improving Your Model

9. Carefully examine the table below. Note the physical properties of each of Earth's
mechanical layers.

Mechanical Physical Density Temperature

layer Composition properties (g/cm3) range (°C)
Mostly iron
Inner core and nickel Solid and rigid 12.9 5,000 – 7,000
Liquid; flows
Mostly iron relatively
Outer core and nickel quickly 11.0 4,000 – 5,000
Mesosphere Rich in iron, Solid; flows 5.0 1,300 – 4,000
 magnesium,
and calcium very slowly
Rich in iron,
Asthenospher magnesium, Solid; flows
e and calcium slowly 3.3 1,000 – 1,300
Rich in iron,
calcium,
oxygen,
magnesium,
silicon, and
Lithosphere aluminum Solid and rigid 2.9 200 – 1,000

10. Think of some everyday materials that you could use to make an improved model of
Earth's layers. For each layer, choose a substance whose physical properties are similar
to those of that layer. Record your choices in the table below. Also record the reason
that each choice is better than using clay to model the layer. (10 points)

Mechanical layer Modeling material Reason

Inner core A plastic ball I think it would work

A plastic ball
Outer core I think it would work

Mesosphere A plastic ball I think it would work

I think it would work
Asthenosphere A plastic ball
I think it would work
Lithosphere A blanket

11. Once you have finished the Analysis and Conclusions section, be sure to store,
recycle, or responsibly dispose of your model and any leftover materials.

Analysis and Conclusions (24 points)

1. What is the difference between a compositional layer and a mechanical layer? (4

points) Compositional layers are determined by their components, while mechanical
layers are determined by their physical properties. The outermost solid layer of a rocky
planet or natural satellite.

2. Describe two advantages and two disadvantages of building your 3D model with
modeling clay. (5 points) A model or simulation is only as good as the rules used to
create it. It is very difficult to create an entirely realistic model or simulation because the
rules are based on research and past events. The main disadvantage of simulations is
that they aren't the real thing.

• 3. Explain the benefits and challenges of building your 3D model to scale. (5

points)

• Easier to understand

• Approve the project faster

• Stop the design

• Find the drawing errors

4. Describe two limitations of your 3D model. (5 points)

• Find Copyright Issues

• Gather Limited Materials

5. How does your diagram show where the energy that causes the motion of tectonic
plates comes from? (5 points)

Lithospheric plates are part of a planetary scale thermal convection system. The energy
source for plate tectonics is Earth's internal heat while the forces moving the plates are
the “ridge push” and “slab pull” gravity forces. It was once thought that mantle
convection could drive plate motions.

Submit this completed worksheet to your teacher.

Rubric

Each question in this activity is worth a specific number of points. The possible point
value is stated at the end of each question. The length of your response will depend on
the type of question. Responses should be written in complete sentences, illustrated
with labeled diagrams, and/or calculated with all work shown.

You can use this general rubric for guidance on how your responses will be scored by
your teacher. Once scoring is complete, your teacher will provide you with feedback on
your performance.

Points awarded Description

The response addresses all parts of
Full points the question completely and correctly.
The response is incomplete or
Partial points partially incorrect.
The response is incorrect, it does not
match the question, or no response is
No points given.

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3.2.4 Lab: Earth's Structure and Cycles