Science 10

Science – Grade 10
Quarter 1 – Module 1: The Earth’s Lithosphere
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education Division of Pasig City

Development Team of the Self-Learning Module

Writer: John F. Bautista
Editor: Rosalina B. Piamonte
Reviewers: Jefrey Nual (Technical)
Illustrator:
Layout Artist: Mark Kihm G. Lara
Management Team: Ma. Evalou Concepcion A. Agustin
OIC-Schools Division Superintendent
Aurelio G. Alfonso EdD
OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Victor M. Javeña EdD
Chief, School Governance and Operations Division and
OIC-Chief, Curriculum Implementation Division

Education Program Supervisors

Librada L. Agon EdD (EPP/TLE/TVL/TVE)

Liza A. Alvarez (Science/STEM/SSP)
Bernard R. Balitao (AP/HUMSS)
Joselito E. Calios (English/SPFL/GAS)
Norlyn D. Conde EdD (MAPEH/SPA/SPS/HOPE/A&D/Sports)
Wilma Q. Del Rosario (LRMS/ADM)
Ma. Teresita E. Herrera EdD (Filipino/GAS/Piling Larang)
Perlita M. Ignacio PhD (EsP)
Dulce O. Santos PhD (Kindergarten/MTB-MLE)
Teresita P. Tagulao EdD (Mathematics/ABM)

Printed in the Philippines by Department of Education – Schools Division of

Pasig City
 Science 10
Quarter 1
Self-Learning Module 1

The Earth’s Lithosphere

Introductory Message

For the Facilitator:

Welcome to the Science 10 Self-Learning Module on The Earth’s Lithosphere!

This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed and

reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and

independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims
to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely:
Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while
taking into consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies
that will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them
to manage their own learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and assist
the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
 For the Learner:

Welcome to the Science 10 Self-Learning Module on The Earth’s Lithosphere!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being an
active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills

that you will learn after completing the module.

Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson

at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts

and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and

application of the lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the

lesson.

Posttest - This measures how much you have learned from the
entire module.
 EXPECTATIONS

This module is designed and written to help you master the lesson on the
distribution of earthquake epicenters, active volcanoes, and major mountain belts
and its relationship to Plate Tectonic Theory.
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. describe the Earth’s lithosphere;
2. differentiate oceanic and continental crust and infer that the Earth’s
lithosphere is divided into plates; and
3. inculcate in the minds the effects of the destruction of the earth’s crust.

PRETEST
Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet
of paper.
1. The Earth’s crust is the upper layer of the lithosphere. What would you
expect to find there?
A. mantle and core C. layers of the atmosphere
B.variety of solid rocks D. variety of gaseous particles
2. What makes up the Earth’s lithosphere?
A. crust and core C. crust and upper mantle
B. crust and lower mantle D. oceanic and continental crust
3. Which of these is TRUE about lithospheric plates?
A. vary in thickness
B. thickest in the ocean floor
C. include the crust and the core
D. have the same densities everywher
4. How will you differentiate continental crust from oceanic crust based on
their thickness and density?
A. Continental crust is much thicker and denser than the oceanic crust.
B. Continental crust is thicker and less dense compared to oceanic crust.
C. Oceanic crust is thinner and less dense than the continental crust.
D. Both continental crust and oceanic crust have the same thickness and
density.
5. One of the environmental problems that we experience right now is the
destruction of the earth’s crust, what do you think are the causes of this
destruction?
A. mining
B. quarrying
C. improper waste disposal
D. all of the above
 RECAP
In your Grade 8 Science, you have learned the different layers of the earth
namely the crust, mantle, and core. Can you still remember how they differ from
each other? Let’s have some practice exercises to refresh your mind.
True or False. Write TRUE if the statement is correct; if FALSE, replace the
underlined word to make it correct.
1. The crust is made up of a variety of solid rocks.
2. A seismologist is a scientist who studies the solid, liquid, and gaseous
matter that constitutes the earth and other terrestrial planets, as well as the
processes that shape them.
3. The earth is composed of the three major layers: the crust, the mantle, and
the plates.
4. The inner core is made up of solid iron and nickel and ha a radius of 1300
kilometers.
5. Surface waves from earthquakes are used to analyze the composition and
internal structure of the earth.

LESSON
In Grade 8, you have learned about the layers of the Earth. Have you
imagined the internal structure of the Earth? What does it look like? A simple
analogy about the Earth's interior is a piece of boiled egg. If you open a boiled egg,
you will notice that it has three parts: the eggshell, an egg white, and egg yolk.
Cutting the earth, you will see (1) a very thin crust; (2) earth's mass
contained in the mantle, and (3) and the core that is located at the center.

Figure 1. The Earth Vs. Egg Layers

The Earth is made up of the

three main layers: the crust, mantle,
and core (outer core and inner
core). This module will focus on the
thinnest and outermost layer of the
earth which is called the crust.

Figure 2. The Earth's Cross Section

 Aside from the three layers of the earth, there are still other layers of the
earth that is worth mentioning. There is a layer called the lithosphere which
includes the crust and the upper mantle. This is the rigid layer of the earth and
measures about 100 kilometers. The other one is the asthenosphere found in the
mantle layer. It is a soft, weak layer that facilitates a small amount of melting and
making it capable of flowing. This property of the asthenosphere facilitates the
movement of the lithospheric plates.

KINDS OF CRUST

Let us have an imaginary journey inside the earth’s crust. The earth’s crust
is the upper layer of the lithosphere. What do you think are found there? The crust
is made up of different kinds of rocks like igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Its thickness varies depending on its location: thickest in the mountain regions and
thinnest along the ocean floor. It has an approximate thickness ranging from 5 to
50 km and has an average density of 2.8 g/cm3.

Figure 3. Kinds of Crust

There are two kinds of crust: continental crust and oceanic crust. The crust
is composed mainly of two basic rock types: basaltic and granitic. The continental
crust is composed mostly of granite that's why it is less dense as compared to
oceanic crust. The oceanic crust consists primarily of volcanic lava rock called
basalt making it denser as compared to continental crust. Basaltic rocks of the
ocean plates are much denser and heavier than the granitic rocks of the
continental plates.
In terms of thickness, the continental crusts range from 10 to 70 kilometers
thick while the oceanic crusts measure only about 7 kilometers thick. Continental
crusts are formed through a volcanic eruption. Like the continental crust, an
oceanic crust is formed by magma when a volcanic eruption occurs underwater.
Oceanic crust is younger than the continental crust as the oldest age for this
type is around 200 million years old compared to the four-billion-year old
continental crust. The oceanic crust has a limited lifespan because when it
encounters continental crust, it is pushed down due to the subduction process.
About 40% of the earth’s surface is now underlain by continental crust.
Continental crust is the layer of the igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks
that forms the landmasses and the areas of shallow seabed close to the shore
called the continental shelves. This layer is called sial because it’s bulk
composition is rich in aluminum and silicates. Oceanic crust is the uppermost of
the oceanic portion of the tectonic plates. It is sometimes called sima because it is
richer in magnesium and silicate minerals.
The earth’s crust is always changing. There is the formation of the geological
features such as mountains, volcanoes, trenches, rift valleys, oceanic ridges, fault
systems and even occurrences of geologic event such as earthquake and formation
of tsunamis. According to the plate tectonics model, the entire lithosphere of the
Earth is broken into numerous segments. The ground beneath our feet is always
moving but we don’t feel this often but we can see the results of the movement
almost everywhere. From the deepest ocean trench to the tallest mountains, plate
tectonics explains the different features and movement of the Earth’s surface in the
present and the past.
Geologists and seismologists are the scientists who study the earth, its
interior, and the activities of its materials beneath its surface. How do these
scientists know about these things? As a geologist, they must dig deeper into what
constitutes the planet earth, what makes up the earth, and what are the reasons
behind the changes it undergoes.
Each tectonic plate is free-floating and can move independently.
Earthquakes and volcanoes are the direct results of the movement of tectonic
plates at fault lines. A tectonic plate also known as the lithospheric plates is a
massive, irregular slab of solid rocks that are generally composed of both
continental and oceanic lithospheres. Plate size can vary greatly from hundreds to
thousands or millions of kilometers. the thickness of the plates varies greatly
ranging from less than 15 km for the young oceanic lithosphere to about 200 km or
more for the ancient continental lithosphere.
The next activities will give you a first-hand idea about the Earth’s crust.

ACTIVITIES

Module No 1: Activity No. 1: The Earth’s Crust

Direction: Using a Venn Diagram below, compare the physical and chemical
properties of continental and oceanic crust.

Diagram 1. Comparison Between Oceanic and Continental Crust

Guide Questions:
1. How will you differentiate continental crust and oceanic crust in terms of the
following:
a. thickness b. composition c. density d. age
2. Why do you think the oceanic crust is much denser compared to oceanic crust?
3. Which property do you think causes continental crust to have higher elevation
as compared to oceanic crust? Explain your answer.
4. Why do you think that continental crust is much older as compared with the
oceanic crust?

Closure:

Based on the activity, describe the earth’s lithosphere and differentiate

continental and oceanic crust.

Module No 1: Activity No. 2: The Earth’s Crust: Love it or Leave it!

Direction: Study and analyze the pictures below. Miners dig into the earth’s crust
in search of precious minerals and rocks.

Figure 4. Human-related problems causing earth’s crust destruction.

Guide Questions:
1. Are you concerned about our environment? If so, what do you think is the
biggest issue shown in the pictures above?
2. What do you know about these issues and suggest what solutions are there to
help our government?
3. What difference would it make if we continue to destroy the earth’s crust?
4. In your little things, how can you help protect the environment? Cite as many as
you can.
 WRAP-UP
To summarize what have you learned, answer the following. Fill in the blanks to
complete the sentence. Choose from the words in the box below.
The (1) ______________is made up of different kinds of rocks like igneous,
sedimentary and metamorphic. Its thickness varies depending on its location:
thickest in the (2) _______________________________________and thinnest along the
(3) _______________________. It has an approximate thickness ranging from 5 to 50
km and has average density of (4) __________________________.
The continental crust is composed mostly of (5) _________________that's why
it is less dense as compared to oceanic crust. The oceanic crust consists primarily
of volcanic lava rock called (6) _________________making it denser as compared to
continental crust. (7) ___________________________of the ocean plates are much
denser and heavier than the (8) ___________________________of the continental
plates. Oceanic crust is (9) _________________________than the continental crust as
the oldest age for this type is around (10) ________________________________________
compared to the four-billion-year old continental crust.

Crust mountain regions granite

Ocean floor basalt 2.8 g/cm3 Basaltic rocks
granitic rocks younger 200 million years old

VALUING
Module No 1: Activity No. 3: How do you care?
Study and analyze the pictures below showing how people destroy the
earth’s crust. Reflect on the effects of these human activities on the earth’s crust
and suggest ways on how to reduce or to minimize the effects of these problems. As
a student, how can you help in solving these environmental issues in our country?
Based on your observation in the different cities in Metro Manila including Pasig
City, what are some of the local environmental problems that you have noticed that
lead to the destruction of the landforms? What kind of technologies do you know
that might help stop these environmental problems? What will happen if we keep
on destroying our environment?

Figure 5. Human-related problems causing earth’s crust destruction.

 POSTTEST

Read and answer the following questions. Encircle the letter of the best answer.

1. The earth is made up of the three main layers: the crust, mantle, and the
core. Which of the following makes up the earth’s lithosphere?
A. mantle and inner core
B. mantle and outer core
C. crust and lower mantle
D. crust and upper mantle

2. What do you call the outermost and the thinnest layer of the earth that is
being explored by the miners?
A. crust
B. mantle
C. inner core
D. outer core

3. When two tectonic plates collide, the oceanic crust usually plunges beneath
the continental crust because it is _______________________________________,
A. older than the continental crust.
B. denser than the continental crust.
C. thicker than the continental crust.
D. less dense than the continental crust.

4. Why do you think that oceanic crust is much denser as compared to the
continental crust?
A. Both of them are made up of hard metallic rock particles.
B. Both continental and oceanic crusts have the same thickness.
C. The oceanic crust is composed mostly of granite that's why it is less
dense as compared to continental crust.
D. The oceanic crust consists primarily of volcanic lava rock called basalt
making it denser as compared to continental crust.

5. What do you think is the importance of studying the Earth’s lithosphere?

A. The Earth’s lithosphere is the home of life.
B. It is where plate tectonic activity happens to produce new geological
features such as mountains and volcanoes.
C. All the interesting and valuable variety in geology from the metal ores to
thick beds of clay and stone, finds its home in the Earth’s lithosphere.
D. All of the answers are correct.
Guide Questions:
Tabular data.
CHARACTERISTICS OCEANIC CRUST CONTINENTAL CRUST
Thickness 5 to 10 km thick 30-50 km thick
Composition Mostly basalt Mostly granite
Density More dense Less dense
Age Younger Older
1. Oceanic crust is mostly made up of basaltic rocks that are heavier and much
denser than the continental crust.
2. Answers may vary.
3. Thickness. The continental crusts range from 10 to 70 kilometers thick while
the oceanic crusts measure only of about 7 kilometers thick.
4. Oceanic crust is younger than the continental crust as the oldest age for this
type is around 200 million years old compared to the four-billion-year old
continental crust. Oceanic crust has a limited lifespan because when it
encounters continental crust, it is pushed downward due to the subduction
process.
Generalization:
Answers may vary.
Activity 2
Guide Questions:
1. Answers may vary. 2. Answers may vary. 3. Answers may vary.
Generalization:
Answers may vary.
Activity 3
Guide Questions:
1.Answers may vary. 2. Answers may vary. 3. Answers may vary.
Generalization:
Answers may vary.
Post-Assessment
1. D 2. A 3. B 4. D 5. D
KEY TO CORRECTION
The Physical and Chemical Properties of Continental and Oceanic crust.
Activity 1

5. False, body waves 4. True 3. False, core 2. True 1. True

Recap
5. D 4. B 3. A 2. C 1. B
Pre-assessment

References
A. Books
Vengco, et.al. 2008. Integrated Science Third Edition. Quezon City. Phoenix
Publishing House, Inc.
Madriaga, et. al. 2017. Science Links 8 Revised Edition. Manila. Rex Book
Store,Inc.
Valdoz, et. al. 2017. Science Links 10 Revised Edition. Manila. Rex Book
Store, Inc.
Evangelista, et. al. 2013. Practical Science for Grade 8. Batangas. United
Eferza Academic Publication Co.

B. Online and Electronic Sources

Photos of The Inner Layers of Planet Earth. Accessed June 26, 2020.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/blatantworld/5052426530/.
Photos of The Thinnest Layer of the Earth. Accessed June 26, 2020.
https://www.zmescience.com/other/science-abc/thinnest-layer-earth/.
Photos of an ancient tin mine on Dartmoor Aerial. Accessed June 26,2020.
www.devonheritage.org/stentiford/Issue_51/Article1/6Sep1art3.htm
Photos of Quarrying. Accessed June 26, 2020. https://news.abs-cbn.com/business
/09/27/18/denr-allows-quarrying-to-resume-but-keeps-ban-in-naga-cebu/.

Photos of Bureau of Land Management. Accessed June 26, 2020.

https://uh.edu/engines/epi1828.htm/.
Photos of Continental and Oceanic crust. Accessed June 26,2020.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Continental_and_oceanic_crust.png/.