MISSION TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH!
Contributors: Beth Ann Thornhill, Hazel Whittaker, Pete A’Hearn
Lesson Activities
Teacher’s Notes:
1. Play theme tune to Mission Impossible.
2. Teacher explains “You have been selected to travel to the center of the Earth, explain what you
would experience during your mission. “
3. Teacher asks students to think ‘What is it like as you travel to the center of the Earth?’
4. Teacher asks and explains ‘What is a model?’
NGSS Connections: MS ESS2 Earth’s System
From NGSS Middle School Evidence Statements http://www.nextgenscience.org/middle-schoolevidence-statements
CyberQUEST TechQuest Lesson: Mission Lesson (last updated 9/21/2015)
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ENGAGE
Teacher Does (5 minutes)
Teacher announces that the students have
been chosen to complete a mission to the
center of the Earth.
Student Does (2-3 minutes)
They are asked to describe what they will
experience during their travels to Earth’s
interior.
Evaluate by listening to TPS (Think, Pair, Share).
Pair Share: Discuss with partner what ideas they
have about Earth’s interior.
EXPLORE
Teacher Does (5-10 minutes)
Student Does (20-30 minutes)
Instruct students how to log on to Google.com
Log on to Google.
Explain that students will illustrate their
understanding of Earth’s interior using the
Google Draw tool to develop a model.
Observe teacher.
The teacher brings the students’ attention to
the front of the class.
Demonstrate how to access Google Drive and
create a Google Draw template. Show how to
title the template, insert shapes, line width, fill
color, scribble, add a text box, arrange shapes
to move forward and back, undo, and ‘share’
with partner and the teacher.
Evaluate students prior knowledge by observing
their models created in Google Draw.
EXPLAIN
Teacher Does
Students work alone or in pairs to create a drawing
of their idea of Earth’s interior, then ‘share’ with
partner and with the teacher.
Student Does (5 minutes)
Project examples of models that show diversity
of thinking. Share models from volunteers.
The teacher brings the students’ attention to
the front of the class to prepare them to orally
share their learning with their peers.
Students explain their models giving the rest of the
class the opportunity to question and comment.
CyberQUEST TechQuest Lesson: Mission Lesson (last updated 9/21/2015)
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Project YouTube video:
Students turn off screens to watch the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAHY696
5o08 - this is the video to show the layers of
the Earth.
EXTEND
Teacher Does (Day 2)
Teacher shows one or both videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0
AAITe0MImY&feature=youtu.be

http://io9.com/5931362/why-anelevator-through-the-center-of-theearth-made-total-sense-for-total-recall
Student Does (20-30 minutes)
Using these websites, students will compare multiple
resources related to analyzing layers of the Earth’s
interior for practical purposes.
*Please note that these videos are for the
teacher to project full screen due to unsavory
comments or advertisements!
Teacher will allow time to go through the
websites listed above and to research
additional information.
Students revise their model based on what they
learn on the websites.
Teacher Does Day 3 (5 minutes)
Students Does Day 3 ( 20-30 minutes)
Teacher shows students the Richard Branson
hoax website:
http://www.virgin.com/travel/richard-bransonlaunches-journeys-centre-earth-through-virginvolcanic
Students determine whether the website from which
they obtain their information is reliable, credible,
and appropriate.
The teacher reminds students to determine the
reliability, credibility, and appropriateness of
any Web site they are using.
Teacher shows Google Docs tool and directs
students to ‘share’ with partner and teacher.
Teacher allows time for students to brainstorm
and research design idea.
Students come up with design criteria alone or in
pairs for an Earth Ship to travel to the center of the
Earth. The criteria could include safety, passenger
comfort, time, pressure, temperature, means of
travel through different layers etc.
Students share design ideas with teacher
STEM/WORKFORCE PREPAREDNESS CONNECTION
CyberQUEST TechQuest Lesson: Mission Lesson (last updated 9/21/2015)
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Teacher Does (2 minutes)
Directs students to one or more sites:




Student Does (5-15 minutes)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/blogs/secretlife
http://www.whodouwant2b.com/student/pathways/enginee
ring-design
http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/scientist/cottrell.html
http://kids.earth.nasa.gov/archive/career/
CyberQUEST TechQuest Lesson: Mission Lesson (last updated 9/21/2015)
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