Layers of Earth Activities for Middle School Science
The Kesler Science Layers of Earth resources offer a comprehensive, engaging suite of tools to bring earth science to life for middle school students. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of layers of Earth. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Earth’s Layers Complete 5E Lesson offers a comprehensive, student-centered approach to teaching middle school students about the layers of Earth. With minimal prep required, this engaging, multi-day lesson incorporates differentiated materials, multimodal learning activities, and flexible formats for both print and digital formats. It includes interactive station labs, vocabulary cards, and editable PowerPoints to meet diverse learning styles and needs. Spanish translations are provided for key resources to ensure accessibility for all students.
Aligned with the 5E model, the lesson covers each stage of learning: Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation. Students explore the Earth’s layers through hands-on experiments, reading comprehension tasks, research, videos, and visual activities, encouraging them to organize, illustrate, and assess their understanding. Extension activities for early finishers provide additional challenge and reinforcement, making the lesson suitable for all learners.
This lesson is fully adaptable to both in-class and remote learning environments, with interactive notebook templates and digital assignments available for Google Classroom. With standards-aligned assessments, the lesson provides a solid foundation for building earth science literacy while promoting critical thinking, student independence, and deep understanding.
The Kesler Science Earth’s Layers Complete 5E Lesson offers a comprehensive, student-centered approach to teaching middle school students about the layers of Earth. With minimal prep required, this engaging, multi-day lesson incorporates differentiated materials, multimodal learning activities, and flexible formats for both print and digital formats. It includes interactive station labs, vocabulary cards, and editable PowerPoints to meet diverse learning styles and needs. Spanish translations are provided for key resources to ensure accessibility for all students.
Aligned with the 5E model, the lesson covers each stage of learning: Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation. Students explore the Earth’s layers through hands-on experiments, reading comprehension tasks, research, videos, and visual activities, encouraging them to organize, illustrate, and assess their understanding. Extension activities for early finishers provide additional challenge and reinforcement, making the lesson suitable for all learners.
This lesson is fully adaptable to both in-class and remote learning environments, with interactive notebook templates and digital assignments available for Google Classroom. With standards-aligned assessments, the lesson provides a solid foundation for building earth science literacy while promoting critical thinking, student independence, and deep understanding.
The Kesler Science modular, student-led station lab on Earth's layers offers a dynamic and engaging way for middle school students to explore earth science. With eight differentiated activities and a ninth challenge station for early finishers, this hands-on lesson allows students to take control of their learning while teachers facilitate. The stations include all necessary materials, signage, and resources for students to complete independently or in small groups, saving teachers valuable prep time.
The lesson includes both Input and Output stations, where students explore Earth's layers through hands-on demos, readings, research, videos, and digital activities. At the Input stations, students will engage with activities like "Explore It!" for hands-on experiments, "Research It!" for online learning, "Read It!" with differentiated passages, and "Watch It!" with short educational videos. Output stations encourage students to show their knowledge by organizing, illustrating, writing, and assessing their understanding of Earth's layers.
Designed to cater to diverse learning needs, this station lab is fully differentiated, with resources available in both English and Spanish. The "Challenge It!" station offers extension activities to push advanced learners even further. With flexible, multimodal learning and minimal prep, this activity promotes critical thinking and student independence, making it an ideal resource for middle school earth science classrooms.
The Kesler Science modular, student-led station lab on Earth's layers offers a dynamic and engaging way for middle school students to explore earth science. With eight differentiated activities and a ninth challenge station for early finishers, this hands-on lesson allows students to take control of their learning while teachers facilitate. The stations include all necessary materials, signage, and resources for students to complete independently or in small groups, saving teachers valuable prep time.
The lesson includes both Input and Output stations, where students explore Earth's layers through hands-on demos, readings, research, videos, and digital activities. At the Input stations, students will engage with activities like "Explore It!" for hands-on experiments, "Research It!" for online learning, "Read It!" with differentiated passages, and "Watch It!" with short educational videos. Output stations encourage students to show their knowledge by organizing, illustrating, writing, and assessing their understanding of Earth's layers.
Designed to cater to diverse learning needs, this station lab is fully differentiated, with resources available in both English and Spanish. The "Challenge It!" station offers extension activities to push advanced learners even further. With flexible, multimodal learning and minimal prep, this activity promotes critical thinking and student independence, making it an ideal resource for middle school earth science classrooms.
The Kesler Science Earth's Layers Student Choice Projects offer middle school students the flexibility to select a project that matches their learning style and interests. With six project options plus the chance to design their own, students can demonstrate their understanding of Earth's layers in creative ways. This student-centered lesson includes a grading rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment, allowing for personalized evaluation.
These dynamic, multimodal projects cater to diverse learning needs, with a modified version available for students needing remediation and more challenging options for advanced learners. Teachers can easily adjust the rubric to focus on vocabulary, concepts, presentation, and accuracy, ensuring fair and flexible assessments for all students.
The lesson is low-prep, requiring only standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, with many projects also offering a digital completion option. Whether crafting models or creating digital presentations, the Earth's Layers Student Choice Projects engage students in hands-on learning while fostering critical thinking and creativity.
The Kesler Science Earth's Layers Student Choice Projects offer middle school students the flexibility to select a project that matches their learning style and interests. With six project options plus the chance to design their own, students can demonstrate their understanding of Earth's layers in creative ways. This student-centered lesson includes a grading rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment, allowing for personalized evaluation.
These dynamic, multimodal projects cater to diverse learning needs, with a modified version available for students needing remediation and more challenging options for advanced learners. Teachers can easily adjust the rubric to focus on vocabulary, concepts, presentation, and accuracy, ensuring fair and flexible assessments for all students.
The lesson is low-prep, requiring only standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, with many projects also offering a digital completion option. Whether crafting models or creating digital presentations, the Earth's Layers Student Choice Projects engage students in hands-on learning while fostering critical thinking and creativity.
The Kesler Science Earth Science Interactive Notebook Bundle is a must-have for teachers who want to provide an interactive learning experience in earth science. It includes both print and digital versions, making it a versatile resource for traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, and distance learning.
The bundle covers a wide range of earth science topics, including Continental Drift Theory, plate boundaries, rocks and minerals, the rock cycle, Earth’s layers, volcanoes, earthquakes, and more. It also features activities like Venn diagrams, topographic maps, and reflection pages to help students demonstrate understanding and make connections between concepts.
The digital version includes a unique interactive notebook PowerPoint, which can be uploaded to Google Slides or learning management systems like MS Teams and Canvas. The paper version provides blank and pre-filled templates, along with color photos to guide students in completing each activity. Both versions come with a teacher answer key and a modified version for students with accommodations.
The Kesler Science Earth Science Interactive Notebook Bundle is a must-have for teachers who want to provide an interactive learning experience in earth science. It includes both print and digital versions, making it a versatile resource for traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, and distance learning.
The bundle covers a wide range of earth science topics, including Continental Drift Theory, plate boundaries, rocks and minerals, the rock cycle, Earth’s layers, volcanoes, earthquakes, and more. It also features activities like Venn diagrams, topographic maps, and reflection pages to help students demonstrate understanding and make connections between concepts.
The digital version includes a unique interactive notebook PowerPoint, which can be uploaded to Google Slides or learning management systems like MS Teams and Canvas. The paper version provides blank and pre-filled templates, along with color photos to guide students in completing each activity. Both versions come with a teacher answer key and a modified version for students with accommodations.
The Layers of Earth Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS and provides students with an opportunity to model the compositional layers of Earth and identify the boundaries of the mechanical layers. This engaging activity challenges students to explore the relationship between Earth's interior structures through either a hands-on or digital experience. The essential question guiding this lab is "What is the relationship between the compositional and mechanical layers of Earth?"
The lab includes three differentiated versions—Dependent, Modified, and Independent—to meet the needs of all learners. Each version is available in both print and digital formats and includes comprehension questions, C.E.R. prompts, and a reflection section. The hands-on activity uses color-coded clay and dental floss to build and explore Earth’s internal layers, while the digital version offers an interactive experience without requiring any physical materials.
Teacher resources include editable PowerPoints, answer keys, and standards-aligned guides to simplify implementation. Compatible with Google Slides and major LMS platforms, this lab supports multimodal learning and maximum flexibility, making it ideal for classroom or remote instruction.
The Layers of Earth Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS and provides students with an opportunity to model the compositional layers of Earth and identify the boundaries of the mechanical layers. This engaging activity challenges students to explore the relationship between Earth's interior structures through either a hands-on or digital experience. The essential question guiding this lab is "What is the relationship between the compositional and mechanical layers of Earth?"
The lab includes three differentiated versions—Dependent, Modified, and Independent—to meet the needs of all learners. Each version is available in both print and digital formats and includes comprehension questions, C.E.R. prompts, and a reflection section. The hands-on activity uses color-coded clay and dental floss to build and explore Earth’s internal layers, while the digital version offers an interactive experience without requiring any physical materials.
Teacher resources include editable PowerPoints, answer keys, and standards-aligned guides to simplify implementation. Compatible with Google Slides and major LMS platforms, this lab supports multimodal learning and maximum flexibility, making it ideal for classroom or remote instruction.
The Rock Cycle Escape Room is an interactive, student-centered activity that helps students demonstrate their understanding of the rock cycle, including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, as well as processes like weathering, erosion, compaction, cementation, heat and pressure, and cooling. Designed to align with middle school science content, this immersive experience engages students in applying their knowledge through eight independent puzzles, which teachers can use in any order to fit their class time and objectives.
This escape room can be set up in multiple ways to fit your classroom needs. A simple and cost-effective option uses manila envelopes to organize the puzzles, while a more elaborate version includes a lockout hasp, locks, and a storage box for a more authentic feel. Printable materials and all necessary directions are included. For online learning, students can access a Single Student Digital Version via PowerPoint or Google Slides, or use the print-at-home PDF version, making it adaptable for both in-person and remote instruction.
The resource includes everything needed for implementation: teacher directions, detailed answer keys, editable digital files, a digital answer sheet via Google Forms, and a video challenge to kick off the activity. Also included are printable props for all puzzles, over 50 prize ideas, reward templates, and fun signs for student photos at the end. With its flexible format and engaging content, this escape room provides an exciting and educational way to explore the rock cycle.
The Rock Cycle Escape Room is an interactive, student-centered activity that helps students demonstrate their understanding of the rock cycle, including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, as well as processes like weathering, erosion, compaction, cementation, heat and pressure, and cooling. Designed to align with middle school science content, this immersive experience engages students in applying their knowledge through eight independent puzzles, which teachers can use in any order to fit their class time and objectives.
This escape room can be set up in multiple ways to fit your classroom needs. A simple and cost-effective option uses manila envelopes to organize the puzzles, while a more elaborate version includes a lockout hasp, locks, and a storage box for a more authentic feel. Printable materials and all necessary directions are included. For online learning, students can access a Single Student Digital Version via PowerPoint or Google Slides, or use the print-at-home PDF version, making it adaptable for both in-person and remote instruction.
The resource includes everything needed for implementation: teacher directions, detailed answer keys, editable digital files, a digital answer sheet via Google Forms, and a video challenge to kick off the activity. Also included are printable props for all puzzles, over 50 prize ideas, reward templates, and fun signs for student photos at the end. With its flexible format and engaging content, this escape room provides an exciting and educational way to explore the rock cycle.
This Layers of Earth Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore the compositional and mechanical properties of Earth’s layers. Middle school students will read a leveled nonfiction article, answer 5–7 comprehension questions, and watch an educational video to deepen their understanding. A hands-on mini-project and optional Cornell notes template support student engagement and retention.
Designed for grades 6–8, the resource includes two Lexile-leveled articles (1100–1300), colorful graphics that print well in grayscale, and files formatted for both print and digital use—including Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas. Whether used in the classroom, for distance learning, or as sub plans, this resource supports science literacy, encourages classroom discussion, and builds reading comprehension through textual analysis.
This Layers of Earth Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore the compositional and mechanical properties of Earth’s layers. Middle school students will read a leveled nonfiction article, answer 5–7 comprehension questions, and watch an educational video to deepen their understanding. A hands-on mini-project and optional Cornell notes template support student engagement and retention.
Designed for grades 6–8, the resource includes two Lexile-leveled articles (1100–1300), colorful graphics that print well in grayscale, and files formatted for both print and digital use—including Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas. Whether used in the classroom, for distance learning, or as sub plans, this resource supports science literacy, encourages classroom discussion, and builds reading comprehension through textual analysis.
Ignite creativity and science reasoning with the Kesler Science Earth’s Layers Science Writing Prompt, designed to test and expand middle school students’ understanding of earth science. This narrative-based exercise engages learners while fostering exploration and enrichment in their writing. Ideal for in-person or virtual learning, this low-prep, high-quality resource keeps students engaged both inside and outside the classroom.
Standards-aligned, this activity focuses on building a model of Earth’s structural layers, including the crust, mantle, and core. The package includes flexible formats, such as projection-ready prompts, full- and half-sheet handouts for interactive notebooks, and a digital PowerPoint version easily converted to Google Slides. Students benefit from pre-writing strategies, self-checks, and customizable rubrics for meaningful assessment.
This versatile activity serves as a cross-curricular tool, pre-test assessment, student choice project, or extra credit. It’s perfect for differentiation, make-up work, or TELPAS samples. Display students’ creative narratives on a bulletin board or compile them into a class anthology for a lasting impact that celebrates learning and imagination.
Ignite creativity and science reasoning with the Kesler Science Earth’s Layers Science Writing Prompt, designed to test and expand middle school students’ understanding of earth science. This narrative-based exercise engages learners while fostering exploration and enrichment in their writing. Ideal for in-person or virtual learning, this low-prep, high-quality resource keeps students engaged both inside and outside the classroom.
Standards-aligned, this activity focuses on building a model of Earth’s structural layers, including the crust, mantle, and core. The package includes flexible formats, such as projection-ready prompts, full- and half-sheet handouts for interactive notebooks, and a digital PowerPoint version easily converted to Google Slides. Students benefit from pre-writing strategies, self-checks, and customizable rubrics for meaningful assessment.
This versatile activity serves as a cross-curricular tool, pre-test assessment, student choice project, or extra credit. It’s perfect for differentiation, make-up work, or TELPAS samples. Display students’ creative narratives on a bulletin board or compile them into a class anthology for a lasting impact that celebrates learning and imagination.
The Kesler Science Earth Science WIKI Tickets provide formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science topics, offering flexible options to check students' understanding in an engaging format. Each topic includes five versions: a full-screen projection version, three handout sizes (full, split, and quarter-page), and an interactive digital version for Google Slides or PowerPoint.
The Earth Science WIKI Tickets cover a wide range of earth science topics, including minerals, plate tectonics, the rock cycle, and human impact on the environment. Some topics have more than one ticket, but every topic is covered by at least one.
The WIKI Tickets can be used in both in-person and virtual learning environments. They work great as exit tickets, bellringers, or informal assessments during lessons. Teachers can project them, use printable handouts, or assign them digitally for remote students, making them adaptable for any teaching situation.
The Kesler Science Earth Science WIKI Tickets provide formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science topics, offering flexible options to check students' understanding in an engaging format. Each topic includes five versions: a full-screen projection version, three handout sizes (full, split, and quarter-page), and an interactive digital version for Google Slides or PowerPoint.
The Earth Science WIKI Tickets cover a wide range of earth science topics, including minerals, plate tectonics, the rock cycle, and human impact on the environment. Some topics have more than one ticket, but every topic is covered by at least one.
The WIKI Tickets can be used in both in-person and virtual learning environments. They work great as exit tickets, bellringers, or informal assessments during lessons. Teachers can project them, use printable handouts, or assign them digitally for remote students, making them adaptable for any teaching situation.
The Kesler Science Earth Science Lesson Extensions offer engaging activities for fast finishers, fostering critical thinking and creativity. These extensions are designed to scaffold learning for students ready to dive deeper into earth science topics while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards. They provide a fun yet rigorous way to enhance lessons and keep students focused during independent work or testing.
Each Lesson Extension includes four core activities: a Puzzler to improve problem-solving, a Maker Space to promote STEAM connections, a Tech Connection to demonstrate learning through digital media, and a Word Master activity to integrate creative writing. These activities ensure students engage with the content in a variety of ways, helping reinforce their understanding.
The Lesson Extensions come with teacher directions, answer keys, and both paper and digital versions for flexibility. Perfect for wrapping up lessons or providing enrichment, these extensions cover a wide range of earth science topics like climate change, fossil fuels, and plate tectonics, all while meeting high-level science standards.
The Kesler Science Earth Science Lesson Extensions offer engaging activities for fast finishers, fostering critical thinking and creativity. These extensions are designed to scaffold learning for students ready to dive deeper into earth science topics while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards. They provide a fun yet rigorous way to enhance lessons and keep students focused during independent work or testing.
Each Lesson Extension includes four core activities: a Puzzler to improve problem-solving, a Maker Space to promote STEAM connections, a Tech Connection to demonstrate learning through digital media, and a Word Master activity to integrate creative writing. These activities ensure students engage with the content in a variety of ways, helping reinforce their understanding.
The Lesson Extensions come with teacher directions, answer keys, and both paper and digital versions for flexibility. Perfect for wrapping up lessons or providing enrichment, these extensions cover a wide range of earth science topics like climate change, fossil fuels, and plate tectonics, all while meeting high-level science standards.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces the concept of Earth’s layers through a real-world connection to the Kola Superdeep Borehole. Students begin with an introductory reading that explores this record-setting drilling site and complete comprehension and extension questions to build background knowledge. A follow-up explanatory reading breaks down the science behind Earth’s layers in a clear, accessible way, with additional questions that deepen understanding.
The resource includes teacher directions with answer keys, projection slides, editable digital formats, and printable full- and half-sheet versions for interactive notebooks. Materials are TEKS-aligned and differentiated, with a modified version that provides sentence starters and simplified language to support all learners.
Designed to support the Engagement and Elaborate phases of a 5E lesson, this no-prep resource is ideal for bookending instruction on Earth’s layers. Whether used in person or virtually, it helps students connect classroom science to real-world applications.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces the concept of Earth’s layers through a real-world connection to the Kola Superdeep Borehole. Students begin with an introductory reading that explores this record-setting drilling site and complete comprehension and extension questions to build background knowledge. A follow-up explanatory reading breaks down the science behind Earth’s layers in a clear, accessible way, with additional questions that deepen understanding.
The resource includes teacher directions with answer keys, projection slides, editable digital formats, and printable full- and half-sheet versions for interactive notebooks. Materials are TEKS-aligned and differentiated, with a modified version that provides sentence starters and simplified language to support all learners.
Designed to support the Engagement and Elaborate phases of a 5E lesson, this no-prep resource is ideal for bookending instruction on Earth’s layers. Whether used in person or virtually, it helps students connect classroom science to real-world applications.
Year-Round Resources
These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Visual Data & Graphing
You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.
Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups
These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.
Review Board Games
Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.
Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.
Essential Questions
Below are the essential questions associated with the lessons and activities included in this unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
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What are the main characteristics of the Earth’s layers?
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How can the Earth’s layers be illustrated?
Kesler Science Membership
Imagine never having to search for another middle school science lesson again. The membership gives you access to ALL of the Kesler Science products in one place (Yes, including everything above).
Say goodbye to long hours of lesson prep.