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Differentiation

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A close-up image of the Moon's surface, which fades from smooth gray at the left, to craggy craters and black shadow at the right.

Audience

Educators

Grade Levels

Grades K-4, Grades 5-8, Grades 9-12

Subject

Earth Science, Space Science, Geology, Solar System and Planets, Earth's Moon

Type

Lesson Plans / Activities

When planets begin to melt, the materials in them begin to separate from one another. The heaviest materials, such as metallic iron, sink to form cores. Low-density magmas rise, forming crusts. This process is called differentiation. In this activity, students will simulate differentiation using pennies, sand, water and toothpicks.
Differentiation Activity [74KB PDF file]
This activity is part of the Exploring the Moon Educator Guide.