Begin with a captivating question: 'Have you ever wondered what keeps the sky from falling?' This question will intrigue students and introduce the concept of Earth's atmosphere.
Go to the LessonLesson Plans
A Closer Look – Layers of the Atmosphere
Learning Objectives
- Identify and describe the five main layers of Earth's atmosphere.
- Explain how temperature and air pressure change with height in different layers of the atmosphere.
- Understand the role of the ozone layer in the stratosphere and its importance in absorbing ultraviolet light.
- Compare and contrast the characteristics of the troposphere and stratosphere.
- Analyze the significance of the exosphere as the boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space.
Introduction and Hook
Introduce the Earth's atmosphere by showing a short clip from 'The Earth's Atmosphere' video. This video provides a visual overview of the atmospheric layers and their significance.
Direct Instruction
Explain the five main layers of Earth's atmosphere: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. Use diagrams to illustrate the changes in temperature and air pressure with height.
Discuss the role of the ozone layer in the stratosphere using examples of its importance in absorbing ultraviolet light.
Guided Exploration
Engage students with the 'Earth's Four Spheres' video to explore how the atmosphere interacts with other Earth systems. This video helps students understand the interconnectedness of Earth's spheres.
Facilitate a discussion on the characteristics of the troposphere and stratosphere, encouraging students to compare and contrast these layers.
Hands-On Activity
Conduct a lab activity where students create a model of the atmospheric layers using different colored materials to represent each layer. This hands-on activity reinforces their understanding of the structure of the atmosphere.
Independent Practice
Assign the 'Atmosphere – Comprehension' worksheet for students to complete independently. This assessment helps reinforce their understanding of atmospheric concepts.
Check for Understanding
Use a quick quiz to assess students' understanding of the layers of the atmosphere and their characteristics. This can be done using interactive tools or a simple question-and-answer session.
Try the QuizReview and Reflection
Have students reflect on what they learned about the atmosphere by writing a short paragraph or drawing a diagram that summarizes the key points.
Assessment and Extension
Provide the 'Earth’s Spheres' assessment to evaluate students' understanding of how the atmosphere interacts with other Earth systems. This assessment encourages students to think critically about Earth's processes.
Encourage students to explore further by researching the significance of the exosphere as the boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space.
