Earth is third planet from the sun and the fifth most massive. It is the planet we live on and the only planet in the universe known to have life. Like the other inner planets, Earth is a rocky planet.
Earth is our home and the only planet in the universe we know has life. (Other planets may have life, but we haven’t found any yet!) The Earth is the third planet from the Sun. It takes 24 hours for the Earth to make a full rotation on its axis and it takes 365.25 days to complete a revolution around the Sun, hence why every fourth year is a leap year. Earth rotates about a tilted axis which gives the planet different seasons; the poles point towards and away from the Sun at different times of the years. It takes light from the Sun about 8 minutes to reach the Earth.
The Earth is approximated to be over 4.5 billion years old. It formed when a cloud of dust started to collapse due to gravity. Like Mercury, Venus and Mars, the Earth is a rocky planet. It has a central core, surrounded by a mantle and a solid crust. The Earth has a solid inner core surrounded by a liquid outer core. The largest layer in the structure of the Earth is the mantle which sits between the thin solid outer layer, called the crust, and the outer core. 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water and has an average depth of 4 km. The largest body of water on Earth is the Pacific Ocean, which has a maximum depth of 11 km and an area of 180,000,000 km2.
Create your own Storyboard
Try it for Free!Create your own Storyboard
Try it for Free!Earth Facts
- Orbital Period: 365.25 Earth days
- Length of a Day: 24 hours
- Diameter: 12,756 km
- Distance from the Sun: 149,600,000 km
- Strength of Gravity: 9.8 N/kg
- Number of Moons: 1
Be sure to check out other science resources on Earth!
How Tos about Guide to Planet Earth
How to Create an Interactive Earth Model Activity for Your Classroom
Engage students by building a hands-on Earth model using simple materials like clay, colored paper, or foam balls. Let students represent continents, oceans, and layers for a visual and tactile learning experience.
Guide students to label the main parts of Earth
Provide students with markers, stickers, or labels to identify continents, oceans, and Earth's core. Encourage accuracy and creativity as they label each section on their model.
Incorporate science vocabulary during the activity
Introduce key terms such as crust, mantle, core, atmosphere while students work. Discuss definitions and examples to reinforce understanding throughout the lesson.
Facilitate a group discussion about Earth's features
Prompt students to share observations about Earth's structure and surface. Ask questions and encourage comparisons to deepen comprehension and spark curiosity.
Connect the activity to real-world science topics
Relate the model to current events, geography, or environmental issues for added relevance. Highlight how understanding Earth's features helps us protect our planet and make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guide to Planet Earth
What is Planet Earth?
Planet Earth is the third planet from the Sun in our solar system. It is the only known planet to support life, with a diverse range of ecosystems, water, land, and an atmosphere that protects living things.
Why is Earth called the 'Blue Planet'?
Earth is known as the Blue Planet because about 71% of its surface is covered by water, giving it a blue appearance when viewed from space.
What makes Earth unique compared to other planets?
Earth is unique because it has liquid water, a breathable atmosphere, suitable temperatures, and supports millions of different life forms. No other known planet has these exact features.
How does Earth's atmosphere protect life?
Earth's atmosphere acts like a shield, filtering harmful solar radiation, maintaining temperature, and providing oxygen for living things to breathe.
What are the main layers of Planet Earth?
Planet Earth has several layers: the crust (outer layer), mantle (middle layer), outer core, and inner core. Each layer has different materials and properties.
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office