Earth and Earth Systems
• Learning objectives:
 Identify the different subsystems that make up the earth
 Describe the interactions that transpire in each subsystem
 Diagram the subsystems that make up the earth including
the interactions that transpire in each interface.
 Explain that the Earth consists of four subsystems, across
whose boundaries matter and energy flow
Knowledge Check:
• Essential Questions:
• What are the 4 spheres of the Earth?
• How do these spheres interact?
Motivation: WORD SCRAMBLE:
Are you familiar with these terms?
Geosphere
Mantle
Lithosphere
Crust
Cyclone
Typhoon
Core
Biosphere
Atmosphere
Hydrosphere
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Activities
In Part A: Classroom
In Part B: Students visit the study site transect walk where they take
photographs to document the site, identify components and elements of
the Earth system, and then describe some of the ways in which the
elements and components of the Earth system are interconnected.
Bring a digital camera for documenting the study site. Also consider
bringing gloves and/or hand-washing supplies for students who may
wish to get their hands dirty while exploring the local study site.
In Part C: Students strengthen their developing sense of the
interconnectedness of elements and components of the Earth system
by predicting how changes in one element or component would affect
others (e.g., How would a change in water level affect plants and
animals at the site?).
Let us recall
• Example:
• What do you
know about El
Niño
phenomenon?
• IMPACTS???
• What are the
spheres
involved?
Let us picture this phenomenon
• Picture analysis
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VALUES check: As an eye opener…
• Tribute to Mother Earth Video
• List down keywords/concepts related to our
topic that describe what is shown in the video
Tribute to Mother Earth Video
3/25/2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ReuOnKSi0s
EARTH has a unique structure and
consists of different layers and
interacting subsystems
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Earth System Science (ESS)
• The study of the interaction between and
among events and earth’s spheres
• A relatively new science (1988)
Ocular Survey Pre Activity
• How important are the relationships and
interactions between the subsystems that
make up the earth?
• Groupings
Template and guide questions
• Complete the following mind
map/diagram to explain your answer.
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3/25/2016
Activity 1 “Connect the Spheres: Earth’s Systems Interactions”
Student Capture Sheet Guiding Questions
What “systems” are found on Earth?
How do Earth’s systems interact?
Engage - Nature Walk Observations – make at least 5
Activity 2: “Connect the Spheres: Earth’s Systems
Interactions” Partner Capture Sheet
• Make 2 Observations
• Observation:
______________________
______________________
__________________
• 1. Circle which system the
observation belongs with.
• 2. Draw arrows to make
connections between that
system/observation and
the other systems. Make as
many as you can!
• 3. Along each arrow, write
details about what that
interaction is.
Output: MIND MAP
• to be presented next meeting
Enrichment: Analyze the interactions of the
spheres after the onslaught of Mt. Pinatubo
•
• 1. What sphere/s
caused the event?
• 2. What are the
effects of the event
on one or more
spheres?
• 3.What is the global
implication?
Evaluation
• - Creation, presentation and explaining of their mind
map outlining the earth’s subsystems, components and
interactions
• (Output and activity to be continued next meeting.)
End of lesson
• Next Topics:
• Earth’s Layers
• Lesson II. EARTH MATERIALS AND
PROCESSES
– A. Minerals and Rocks