Earth’s Layers Edible Lab
Name:
Objective: Explore and model the Earth’s layers using
M&M candies.
Required Material: M&M Candy with Solid Center
(Peanut, Pretzel, or Almond)
Part 1: Pre-Lab Questions:
1. Label the Earth’s layers on the diagram to the
right.
2. Use your textbook, notes, or Internet research to
fill in the table below.
Layer
Thickness (km)
Consistency
solid, liquid, gas, plastic
Elements
Density
(g/cm3)
Crust
Mantle
Outer Core
Inner Core
Part 2: Experiment: Place the candy in your mouth. As you slowly eat the candy, pay attention to each layer and think
about the ways the candy is like and unlike the layers of the Earth.
Part 3: Post Lab Questions
1. Which part of the candy represents the core of the Earth? Support your claim with evidence and reasoning.
2. Which part of the candy represents the mantle? Support your claim with evidence and reasoning.
3. Which part of the candy represents the crust? Support your claim with evidence and reasoning.
© Science Is Real
ANSWER KEY
Objective: Explore and model the Earth’s layers using M&M candies.
Required Material: M&M Candy with Solid Center (Peanut, Pretzel, or
Almond)
Part 1: Pre-Lab Questions:
1. Label the Earth’s layers on the diagram to the right.
A. Crust; B. Mantle; C. Outer Core; D. Inner Core
2. Use your textbook, notes, or Internet research to fill in the
table below.
Consistency
Layer
Thickness (km)
solid, liquid, gas,
plastic
Crust
Mantle
Outer Core
Inner Core
5-70 km
2,900 km
2,200 km
1,200 km
Elements
Density
(g/cm3)
2.5-3.0
solid
Silicon, Aluminum
Plastic-like
Magnesium, Iron
4.5
Liquid
Iron, Nickel
10.0-12.3
solid
Iron, Nickel
13.0
Part 2: Experiment: Place the candy in your mouth. As you slowly eat the candy, pay attention to each layer and think
about the ways the candy is like and unlike the layers of the Earth.
Part 3: Post Lab Questions
1. Which part of the candy represents the core of the Earth? Support your claim with evidence and reasoning.
Example: The center of the candy represents the core. Both the Earth’s core and candy’s core are solid and
located in the center.
2. Which part of the candy represents the mantle? Support your claim with evidence and reasoning.
Example: The chocolate part of the candy represents the mantle. Both the Earth’s mantle and chocolate have a
semi-solid consistency, are the thickest layer, and are located between the center and surface.
3. Which part of the candy represents the crust? Support your claim with evidence and reasoning.
Example: The exterior of the candy represents the crust. Both the Earth’s crust and the surface of the candy are
solid, thin, and located on the exterior.
© Science Is Real