Earth's Layers | Middle school Earth and space science | Khan Academy

Much like a peach, Earth is divided into layers. The thinnest layer is the crust, which composes all the continents and ocean basins. The crust is divided into several massive tectonic plates. Beneath the crust is the mantle, the largest layer. Next is Earth’s outer core, a liquid layer of molten iron and nickel. This spins round the solid inner core, a dense sphere of iron and nickel. The movement of the outer core around the inner core creates Earth’s magnetic field, which protects the planet from harmful solar radiation. Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): MS-ESS2-2, MS-ESS2-3, MS-ESS2.A.2, MS-ESS2.B.1. ------------------ Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. Khan Academy has been translated into dozens of languages, and 15 million people around the globe learn on Khan Academy every month. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we would love your help! Donate or volunteer today! Donate here: https://www.khanacademy.org/donate?ut... Volunteer here: https://www.khanacademy.org/contribut...