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Earth

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What is Earth?

Earth is the dynamic planet that we call home. It formed over 4.5 billion years ago, and it has been changing ever since. Sometimes these changes happen very fast, like an earthquake or a volcanic eruption. But most changes happen so slowly we don't notice them at all!

Earth Stuff:

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Games
Reading
Hands-on
Videos

Find out how five different environments produce Earth's amazing minerals!

Take a peek into a mineralogist's scrapbook to see why he thinks jade is so special.

Take this quiz to find out if you're up for the challenge!

Museum scientists answer kids' questions!

Find out how he became a geologist and what you can learn from studying rocks.

See if you can find north by making your own compass.

Earthquakes are happening all the time. Find out what makes the earth shake.

Make a model of Earth's layers that's good enough to eat!

Have you taken our planetary field trip, in celebration of Earth Day 2020? Watch the video and then test your knowledge.

Create your own crystals with sugar. Then enjoy your tasty treat!

How do simple storms turn into swirling hurricanes?

Meet six rocks that travelled to the Museum from places like Mexico, Scotland, and even outer space.

All aboard! Hop on a submersible and explore an amazing diversity of life at the ocean floor.

Create weather tools to gather wind, rain, and pressure data in your neighborhood.

Visit a scientist's lab to see how he creates a magma chamber!

Do you dig the Earth? If so, you'll want to meet Ed.

Find out why a ball thrown in the air will return to the ground. 

Volcanoes, tsunamis, earthquakes... Examine how plate tectonics affect our world!

Explore the layers of our planet: the crust, mantle, and core.

Check out the scrapbook to learn about this amazing race!

Every rock has a story to tell. Learn how to create a collection that rocks!

Mundo Shamundo! Can you help Mandy study for her geology test?

With its swirling column of wind, a tornado is one of nature’s most destructive storms.

Find out what causes volcanoes to erupt and how scientists study them.

Test your knowledge about our planet Earth with this quiz.

Take a peek at our planet's layers, learn what secrets rocks reveal, and gain a long view of history.

What golden award is this? Take a guess!