Earth's Layers

       We have been learning about the layers of the Earth in Science.   I needed/wanted something quick to help model the layers, but also something hands on.  I decided to use chocolate covered cherries.  After a quick review of the layers of the Earth, I gave each student group 1 chocolate covered cherry and a plastic knife on a paper plate.  The groups could not cut the candy until I told them to.
     
       Once the students started cutting, the looks on their faces were priceless!  Most of them were not familiar with that type of candy so they were pretty shocked when they saw the liquid come out!  While they explored the candy, I had the groups discuss how the different layers of the candy were like the layers of the Earth.  They also had to tell WHY they thought that.  Some of their answers were very creative!

     

         After students had a chance to discuss and explore the candy with their group, it was time to write about what they had just discussed/discovered.  One student wrote, "The chocolate is like Earth's crust because chocolate is made of different ingredients just like Earth is made out of different rocks.  Also, it's brown like the Earth and is the outer most part."

         To wrap everything up, students got to taste a piece of their model.  Some thought that was the best part!  Overall, this activity was pretty successful.  I was glad to incorporate writing into Science.  It also showed me that my third graders need a lot of work on their writing skills.  That's a post for another day!