Model of the Layers of Earth’s Atmosphere
SC State Science Indicator 6-4.1 – Compare the composition and structure of Earth’s atmospheric
layers (including the gases and differences in temperature and pressure within the layers).
Directions: Choose one assignment from the options listed below to complete that represents a
model of the layers of Earth’s atmosphere. Turn it in no later than Friday, September 27th.
OPTION 1:
PAPERPLATE
MODEL
OPTION 2:
SHOEBOX
MODEL
OPTION 3:
MOBILE
MODEL
NON-NEGOTIABLE RULES:While each you may choose to represent his/her version of the
layers of Earth’s atmosphere differently, ALL of you must follow these non-negotiable rules.
1. Your model must have Earth represented as a sphere with blue (water) and green (land).Earth must be
shown in the center of all models.
2. Your model must have five distinct layers that show the five layers of Earth’s atmosphere and that
they WRAP around the Earth.
3. Each layer must be clearly labeled (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere,and
exosphere). (Spelling must be correct!)
4. There must be some 3-D object or picture (s) inside EACH layer that represents one of
thecharacteristics of that particular layer. Use the guide below to help you with what characteristics
you should represent. Whatever you decide, BE CREATIVE!
a. Troposphere – all weather occurs here and it is the layer closest to Earth’s surface.Something
should be in this layer that shows weather: rain, clouds, lightning, storms, etc. (in the past you
may have used rice for rain and cotton for the clouds.) Make sure to note that carbon dioxide
and water vapor are the two gases found here. Be creative!
b. Stratosphere – this layer is cold except in the upper region where the ozone layer is located.
You must show that this layer is divided in half, with the bottom layer being cold and the top of
the stratosphere is hot. A piece of string could be useful in dividing the stratosphere in two
layers. Planes also fly in this layer and nitrogen and oxygen are two gases here too.
c. Mesosphere – this is the coldest layer. Include something 3-D that represents extremely cold
temperatures. Snowflakes and glitter have been used in the past. Nitrogen and oxygen are two
gases found here.
d. Thermosphere – this is the hottest layer and where the air is very thin. In the past, use different
red objects to represent the extremely hot temperatures that are found in this layer. Show that
nitrogen and oxygen are the two gases found here.
e. Exosphere – this is the furthest layer from Earth’s surface. Use 3-D objects or pictures to show
that the stars, moon, and planets are found here. There is no air pressure in this layer; since it
decreases the further you travel away from Earth’s surface.
OPTION 1: PAPER PLATE MODEL
 Materials Required: A paper plate, markers/crayons/colored pencils,
pictures or3-D objects to represent at least one characteristic in each
layer.
 Directions:
Write your heading (Full Name, Date, and Class Period) on the back
of the paper plate.
Place Earth in the middle and draw five very neat circles that go
around the Earth that divide the ENTIRE paper plate into five
separate layers. You might want to use a compass or round object to
make perfect circles. Make sure that your stratosphere is large
enough to neatly divide it in half to show the lower (where it is cold)
and upper region (where ozone is).
OPTION 2: SHOEBOX MODEL
 Materials Required: A shoebox, markers/crayons/colored pencils, pictures
and 3-D objects, and any other materialsto represent at least one
characteristic in each layer.
 Directions:show each layer.Show the characteristics of each layer to Earth,
altitude of each layer and the change in temperature for each layer using
the listed materials.
OPTION 3: Mobile Model
 Materials Required: A hanger, string, note cards might helpful in displaying
your information.
 Special instructions: Earth should be represented on the hanger itself with
the layers hangingdown. Make sure that your shortest string is the
troposphere and that the exosphere gets thelongest string.