Early in our universe’s history, the Earth – and other planets – was formed from dust, pieces of rock and gas orbiting the Sun. This material smashed together and began to heat up until the entire mass melted.
Some of the materials in this mass were heavier than others. The heavier metals fell to the center to become the Earth’s core. The rest of the materials became the mantle, crust and atmosphere.
Fun Facts about How the Earth Was Formed for Kids
- All the planets were made in the same way. Accretion is the process by which the planets were formed. As lumps of material smashed and became welded together, the planets grew until they were large enough to develop a magnetic force – or gravity. This force attracted more materials until the area around each planet was free of debris.
- Energy can’t be destroyed but it does change. When two objects slam together, their energy is often turned into heat. This happened when the planets were made and it happens when meteors hit the Earth.
- After the Earth was formed, it began to cool. The top layers became a hard, brittle crust. The interior of the Earth is kept hot, though, because it is radioactive. This nuclear energy causes the forces that create volcanoes and earthquakes.
How the Earth Was Formed Vocabulary
- Orbit: a small object’s path around a larger object which is maintained by gravity
- Accretion: the process of gathering materials through gravity’s force
- Meteor: falling space rocks or debris
- Brittle: hard, crisp
Learn All about How the Earth Was Formed
Here’s the best kids how the Earth was formed video you can watch right now to learn more all about how the Earth was formed:
Graphic video documentary about how the Earth was formed.
How the Earth Was Formed Q&A
Question: How old is the Earth?
Answer: Scientists are constantly learning more about the Earth’s history, but they believe it is approximately 4.5 billion years old.
Enjoyed the Natural Science for Kids website all about How the Earth Was Formed info? Take the FREE & fun How the Earth Was Formed quiz and download FREE How the Earth Was Formed worksheet for kids. For lengthy info click here.
