Investigative Group Project
Bell Ringer
Describe as many different Earth
systems as you can.
Earth’s Spheres
We refer to these systems as SPHERES.
BIOSPHERE
LITHOSPHERE
or
GEOSPHERE
HYDROSPHERE
ATMOSPHERE
Understanding Systems
Copy the table to your notes and fill in
the blanks with your group.
As you continue with this activity you will learn more about each system. You will
also observe many different features in stunning images of Earth taken by
astronauts. As you observe each image, take note that features from multiple
spheres are almost always visible.
What are some additional features we
can associate with each Earth system?
Part 2: Background Information
Each person will be responsible for reading one
of the articles and teaching the other group
members what you read.
Annotate for important information.
1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION (page 2)
2. EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE (page 3)
3. EARTH SYSTEM CONNECTIONS (page 4)
4. DISCOVERING AND EXPLORING FEATURES
(pages 5-6)
Relating Information from
Background Information Readings
• Each person will have 90 seconds to share 2
essential pieces of evidence from their
reading.
• Everyone should record this information in
their notebook.
Exit Slip
After reviewing the project
expectations and
background information,
what remaining questions
do you have?
Bell Ringer
1. In your groups, review the metadata on page 6 of
your readings from yesterday.
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Image Identification number
Country or Geographic Name
Features
Center Point Latitude and Longitude
Camera Used
Camera Focal Length
Date Acquired
Caption
2. Why do you think it will be important to record
this type of information when you are analyzing the
images?
How to Access Images
Review instructions on how to access the images
and image information from pages 5 and 6 of
the handouts from yesterday.
http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov
Go to the “Find Photos” tab and select “Weekly
Top 10” and choose an image to observe.
Recording your Observations
• Your group will log observations of 4 images.
• Record the metadata in the appropriate boxes
of the handout.
• Complete the miscellaneous observations,
sketch, or questions box.
– This can include a sketch of a feature or just some
simple observations, thoughts, or questions they
have about the image.
– Use the Quick Reference Sheet on the back of
your project expectations handout as a guide.
Expectations for Friday
• In pairs, complete a total of 2 image analyses.
(As a group, complete 4 image analyses.)
• Each pair should share their findings with the
other team members and decide on ONE
image that they will share with the class.
• Complete the Presentation of Observations
handout with your group (page 11).
• Each individual will write an Exit Slip and
submit before they leave.
Complete the handout (page 11). Include:
• Background information about the image and
its location
• Which Earth Spheres (or systems) can be
viewed in your chosen image?
• Describe specific features of the two of the
spheres (or systems).
• Explain how you believe changes to one
sphere (system) will impact others.
Exit Slip
Which image has your group decided to
share with the class?
• Include the ID number and a brief
description.
Describe the interesting features about this
image that helped you choose it to share.
Bell Ringer
1. How do you think that image analyses
helps scientists understand
connections between different Earth
systems?
2. Make a prediction for how you think
scientists could use this data to make
informed decisions about global
climate change.
Part 4: Research Planning
Using your notes from the class presentations
and your groups’ image analyses, complete the
handout with a partner.
• List 3 visible features, their associated Earth
system (sphere) and include an aspect of that
feature that you think is interesting.
• Include the metadata you would need to log
from each image in order to answer your
research question.
Exit Slip
1. Complete the NASA Survey for the
Earth’s Spheres project that we have
been working on.
2. On the Post-it, record an example of
a connection between two of
Earth’s spheres.