Earth Science

Layers of Cake Geology: An Exercise to Simulate

Core Sample Drilling

Introduction:
In this activity, a layered cake with the top decorated to resemble a grid is
created. The class is assigned a section of the grid to “sample” and at the end
the whole class comes together with a representation of interior layers of the
cake.

Anticipated Learning Outcome: Students will interpret "core samples" to
determine rock structures beneath the land surface.

Teacher Preparations (See last page for a more detailed description):

• Multiple-layer cake prepared according to the following instructions:
  Use moist pound cake (or other dense, coherent cake) mix. (One mix is
  sufficient for whole class activity if layers are made thin enough.)
  Bake four to six thin cakes, (each between 0.5 and 2.0 cm thick), each a
  different color (mix in food coloring before baking). Use square or rectangular
  pans.
  Stack the cakes in any order. Apply icing (of any kind) between the layers
  but not on the top or sides of the cake. You may decide to introduce variations
  such as almond pieces, marshmallows, etc. Check for any student allergic to
  nuts.
  Decorate the top by drawing lines until a grid is formed. Use toothpicks to
  identify corners of the grid.


• Knife for cutting cake


• Three transparent plastic tubes (diameter between 1 and 2 centimeters) at
  least as long as the cake is high. Clear drinking straws could be used, but
  tubes of wider diameter (those used for tapioca drinks or milk shakes)
  produce better results.

Decorate the top with a grid.