Hands On Demonstration: Playdough Earth Layers
In this hands-on activity, your learner will build a model of Earth using playdough to explore how our planet is made of different layers. This is a simple, visual way to understand ideas like the core, mantle, and crust and how Earth changed as it formed.

Learning Goals

• Understand that Earth has different layers
• Learn the names of the main layers (core, mantle, crust)
• Explore how heavier materials sank to the center during Earth’s formation
• Connect this model to early Earth being hot and molten

Materials

• 3–4 colors of playdough
  • Example:
    • Red/orange = core
    • Yellow = outer core (optional)
    • Orange/brown = mantle
    • Blue/green = crust
• Plastic knife or string (for cutting)
  
  

Instructions

1. Start with the Core: Have your learner roll a small ball of playdough (this represents Earth’s core). Explain that the core is the hottest and densest part of Earth.

2. Add the MantleWrap a thicker layer of a different color around the core. Talk about how the mantle is the largest layer and is still very hot, but not fully liquid.

3. Add the CrustAdd a thin outer layer to represent the crust.Explain that this is where we live, and it’s very thin compared to the other layers.

4. Cut It Open: Carefully slice the ball in half. Let your learner observe the inside and identify each layer.

Talk About It

• Which layer is the thickest?
• Which layer do we live on?
• Why do you think the center of Earth is the hottest?
• What do you notice about how the layers are arranged?

Make the Connection
Explain that early Earth was once completely melted. As it cooled:

• Heavier materials sank to the center (forming the core)
• Lighter materials rose to the outside (forming the crust)

This process is called layering and helped shape the Earth we live on today.

Keep It Flexible
If your learner isn’t interested in perfect layers, that’s okay. The goal is exploration and understanding—not perfection. Let them squish, rebuild, and experiment.