Model Layers of the Earth

This week we made models of the layers of the earth.

First, we made the dough...

Our Play Dough Recipe

1 ½ c. flour

¼ c. salt

2 T. cream of tartar

1 c. boiling water

1 T. oil

Mix all ingredients until evenly distributed. Then knead to get proper consistency-may need a bit more flour on your surface.

Next, we split the dough into 6 balls.

Starting small and then working our way up to the largest one.

Using our food dye, we colored each ball. 

 We started mixing with a spatula.

 And then we shaped it with our hands.

The colors were simply beautiful! 

To start the layers, we picked up the smallest ball (inner core). 

We laid it on the orange dough (flattened). 

Carefully, without mixing the colors, we wrapped the

orange (outer core) around the inner core. 

 Gently, roll into a ball shape.

Repeat all layers (skipping the green).

Yellow is the mantle and the brown is the crust.

 Using a globe as a guide, shape the green into continents. 

Place them on your globe.

 Finally, cut a chunk out the your globe to see the layers.

We also cut it down the middle. Our dough was pretty soft,

so cutting it that way let us get a better visual.

This idea was inspired by The Crafty Classroom

Wishing you homeschool blessings,
Bethany