The core
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/sci_update.cfm?DocID=182
A lesson plan for grade 6 Science
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In this Science Update, students explore a recent proposal to send a robotic probe to the center of the earth. Cal Tech planetary scientist David Stephenson proposed a possible way to get to the earth’s core—a small unmanned probe could be sent by blowing open a deep crack in the earth and filling it with hot, molten iron. Gravity would allow the probe to ooze downward, transmitting information about the core’s composition. Science NetLinks provides a link to the audio file, a written transcript, and questions to engage students in discussion about Stephenson’s proposal, possible research questions for further development, and the purposes of scientific journals. This activity also contains links to several lessons about the earth’s core from Science NetLinks, PBS Online, and the Volcano World site.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Science (2005)
Grade 6
- Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
- Objective 1.01: Identify and create questions and hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
- Objective 1.05: Analyze evidence to:
- Explain observations.
- Make inferences and predictions.
- Develop the relationship between evidence and explanation.
- Objective 1.08: Use oral and written language to:
- Communicate findings.
- Defend conclusions of scientific investigations.
- Objective 1.09: Use technologies and information systems to:
- Research.
- Gather and analyze data
- Visualize data.
- Disseminate findings to others.
- Objective 1.10: Analyze and evaluate information from a scientifically literate viewpoint by reading, hearing, and/or viewing:
- Scientific text.
- Articles.
- Events in the popular press.
- Goal 3: The learner will build an understanding of the geological cycles, forces, processes, and agents which shape the lithosphere.
- Objective 3.01: Evaluate the forces that shape the lithosphere including:
- Crustal plate movement.
- Folding and faulting.
- Deposition.
- Volcanic Activity.
- Earthquakes.
- Objective 3.03: Explain the model for the interior of the earth.
- Objective 3.01: Evaluate the forces that shape the lithosphere including:
