Assessing the age of Earth’s core
Students will answer questions based on the Science News article "Earth's inner core is relatively young."
Educator Guide: Earth’s Inner Core is Relatively Young
Earth’s magnetic field (illustrated) is powered by circulation of iron-rich fluid in the core. New research suggests Earth’s solid inner core formed after 565 million years ago, saving a weakening magnetic field from collapse.
MARC WARD/SHUTTERSTOCK
About this guide
Recent research suggests that Earth’s inner core began solidifying sometime after 565 million years ago, just in time to save the planet’s protective magnetic field from collapse and to kick-start it into its current, powerful phase. Use this guide to introduce students to the history and current state of Earth’s magnetic field, the structure of Earth’s interior and concepts related to energy transfer, including thermal conduction and convection.
This Guide Includes:
Journey to the center of the Earth
After thinking through concepts related to processes in the Earth's core, students will use these prompts to create a diagram of the geodynamo.