Earth Coloring Pages

A blue water planet full of life! Earth is the third planet from the Sun in our solar system. Oceans cover about 70 percent of its surface. That is why Earth looks like a beautiful blue ball from space! Earth is just the right distance from the Sun. It has air with oxygen and plenty of water. Because of this, Earth is the only planet where many living things can live.

Where the Name Comes From

The name Earth comes from words that mean the ground you stand on!

• English Name: In English, it is called Earth.

• Origin of the Name: It comes from Erda, an old word for soil or ground. Most other planets are named after Greek or Roman gods. But Earth is special! Its name simply means the ground under your feet.

• Latin Name: Scientists sometimes call it Terra. This is the name of the goddess of the Earth in Roman myths.

Inside Earth and How It Works

Layers inside Earth The inside of Earth has layers, just like a hard-boiled egg!

• Crust: This is the thin outer layer of rock that you walk on every day.

• Mantle: This is a very thick layer of rock under the crust.

• Core: This is the super-hot center of Earth made of iron.

The Ground Is Moving!

• Plates: Earth's surface is covered with giant puzzle pieces of rock called plates. They move very slowly. As they move, they cause earthquakes and volcanoes. Over a long time, they push up to make big mountains and continents!

The Air That Protects Us

• A Giant Shield: A thick blanket of air surrounds Earth. It has nitrogen and oxygen. This air keeps you safe from dangerous rays and falling space rocks!

Here are tips to color Earth to make it look super realistic and cool!

Use Blue and Green for Water and Land

• Ocean Blue: The sea is not just one shade! Color deep water with dark blue. Color shallow water near land with light blue. This shows how deep the water is and makes it look real!

• Land Green and Brown: Color spots with forests and grass in bright green. Color dry desert spots in light brown or beige!

Add White Clouds to Make It Real

• How to Draw Clouds: When you look at Earth from space, you see lots of white clouds. Use a white colored pencil or crayon over the blue ocean. Draw swirling clouds, and Earth will look real right away!

Shading Tricks to Make Earth Look Round

• How to Add Shadows: The Sun shines in space, so the side without light gets dark. Gently add a layer of slightly darker blue or navy near the edge of Earth for shadows. This makes Earth look like a round ball instead of a flat circle!

Lightly Layer Air Colors

• Blue Outline: Softly color the outside edge of Earth with very light blue. It makes the air around Earth look like it is glowing! It looks so pretty. It is the miracle planet where we live! A beautiful blue water planet.

Why is Earth called the "Blue Planet"?

When you look at Earth from space, it shines blue like a jewel, doesn't it? This is because about 70% of Earth's surface is covered with oceans (water). When sunlight hits the ocean, only the blue light bounces back brightly. That is why it looks like a beautiful light blue from space!

Protected by an Invisible Barrier

Earth is wrapped in a thick layer of air (atmosphere). This air is not just for us to breathe. It also acts like a shield to protect all living things from dangerous rays and space rocks!

It Is Actually Spinning Super Fast!

We do not feel it at all, but Earth is actually spinning like a top. People say it spins at about 1,700 kilometers per hour, which is much faster than a bullet train! Because Earth keeps spinning round and round, we get daytime and nighttime one after the other.

Is Earth a Giant Magnet?

A compass always points "North" because Earth itself is a giant magnet. The power of this magnet protects Earth's air so it does not get blown away by solar winds, which are electric storms from the sun!