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Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
National Capital Region
DIVISION OF CITY SCHOOLS – MANILA
Manila Education Center Arroceros Forest Park
Antonio J. Villegas St. Ermita, Manila

EARTH AND
LIFE SCIENCE
Earth-terrific! Systematic!

Quarter 1 Week 1 Module 2

Learning Competency: Explain that the Earth consists
of four subsystems, across whose boundaries matter
and energy flow. (S11/12ES-Ia-e-4)

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HOW TO USE THIS MODULE

Before starting the module, I want you to set aside other tasks that will disturb you
while enjoying the lessons. Read the simple instructions below to successfully enjoy
the objectives of this kit. Have fun!

1. Follow carefully all the contents and instructions indicated in every page of
this module.
2. Write on your notebook the concepts about the lessons. Writing enhances
learning, that is important to develop and keep in mind.
3. Perform all the provided activities in the module.
4. Let your facilitator/guardian assess your answers using the answer key
card.
5. Analyze conceptually the posttest and apply what you have learned.
6. Enjoy studying!

PARTS OF THE MODULE

• Expectations - These are what you will be able to know after completing the
lessons in the module.
• Pre-test - This will measure your prior knowledge and the concepts to be
mastered throughout the lesson.
• Looking Back to your Lesson - This section will measure what learnings and
skills did you understand from the previous lesson.
• Brief Introduction - This section will give you an overview of the lesson.
• Activities - This is a set of activities you will perform with a partner.
• Remember - This section summarizes the concepts and applications of the
lessons.
• Check your Understanding - It will verify how you learned from the lesson.
• Post-test - This will measure how much you have learned from the entire
module.

Lesson

1 Earth Systems

EXPECTATIONS
You will have to explain that the Earth consists of four subsystems, across
whose boundaries matter and energy flow.

Specifically, this module will help you to:

• define the concept of a system,
• recognize the Earth as a system composed of subsystems,
• identify the visible features of the different Earth systems, and
• describe how the matter and energy flow across the Earth systems.

Let us start your journey in learning more about our home planet - Earth. I am sure you
are ready and excited to answer the Pretest. Smile and cheer up!

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PRETEST
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. If the answer is not found on the
choices, write letter E and identify the correct answer.

______ 1. Which of the following is the best description of the hydrosphere?

A. It is only composed of liquid water on earth.
B. It is only composed of surface water on earth.
C. It is the mixture of gases that surround the earth.
D. It is composed of the waters on earth including subsurface.

______ 2. Which biophysical component of earth is composed of all the living

organisms on earth, including those in land, water, and air?
A. biosphere C. atmosphere
B. geosphere D. hydrosphere

______ 3. Earth’s crust is mostly composed of what elements?

A. iron and silicon C. oxygen and silicon
B. iron and nickel D. copper and nickel

______ 4. On which part of the atmosphere does meteors usually burn up?
A. troposphere C. mesosphere
B. stratosphere D. thermosphere

______ 5. What does the Earth’s core made up of?

A. rocks and salt C. oxygen and silicon
B. rocks and metals D. diamonds and metals

______ 6. Which layer produces the Earth’s magnetic field?

A. inner core C. oxygen and silicon
B. outer core D. none of the above

______ 7. Which of the following is NOT a component of the geosphere?

A. valleys C. volcanoes
B. glaciers D. mountains

______ 8. Which of the following best describes the troposphere?

A. It is above the mesosphere.
B. It extends up to 50 kilometers high.
C. It is the region where ozone layer is found.
D. It is the densest layer where almost all of weather types occur.

______ 9. Which of the following is NOT a correct analogy about the Earth Systems?
A. atmosphere: air C. biosphere: humans
B. geosphere: land D. hydrosphere: water

______ 10. What is the lithosphere composed of?

A. It is composed of the mantle only.
B. It is composed of the crust and upper mantle.
C. It is composed of the lower mantle and outer core.
D. It is composed of the continental and oceanic crust.

Great! You finished answering the questions. You may request your facilitator to check
your work. Congratulations and keep on learning!

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LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON

Our last lesson focused on the uniqueness of Earth being the only known planet in
the Solar System that can support life. Let’s take quick review of the lesson.

Directions: Put a check mark () on the properties that makes Earth a habitable
planet and a cross mark () if not.

Properties () or ()

1. Presence of liquid water
2. Presence of ozone layer in atmosphere
3. Atmosphere made up of methane gas
4. Presence of magnetic field
5. Average temperature of 80°C

BRIEF INTRODUCTION
“We are all connected. To each other, biologically.
To the earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe atomically.”

The quote above is said by Neil DeGrasse Tyson, an American astrophysicist.

Do you agree with him? Why do you think he said that we are all connected?
A certain group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent parts that work
together to form a complex whole is called a system. The scientists around the world
try to study our planet through the smaller systems it have and fit them together to
form a whole picture which is known as the Earth System Science.
Specifically, Earth System is commonly referred as the spheres which are
divided into four: geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. These four
spheres regulate the different functions of Earth which makes it habitable which is
similar on how a human body system works. All human body systems work together
to maintain a well-functioning and healthy body. On Earth, each of the four spheres
or systems must keep itself in balance. A change in one system will affect other
systems.
Note: You can perform the following activities through collaborating with a partner. You can first
answer the activities individually then just communicate your results after.

ACTIVITIES
Activity 1.1: Earth Systems Picture Analysis
Optional Materials Needed:
• World Map, Google Earth (if internet connection is available)

Procedures:
1. List down at least three features on each system, an example per system is
given as your guide:
System Key Word System Features
atmosphere air (Ex: clouds)
biosphere life (Ex: trees)
geosphere land (Ex: mountain)
hydrosphere water (Ex: ocean)

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2. Observe the following astronaut photographs. You can also use a world map
or open Google Earth application to observe the following:
Astronaut Photograph #1 Astronaut Photograph #2

https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/Collections/EarthFromSpace/lores.pl?PHOTO=ISS005 https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/Collections/EarthFromSpace/lores.pl?PHOTO=ISS043-E-93251

River and snow in the Himalayas

‐E‐10097

Kanaga volcano in Alaska

Astronaut Photograph #3 Astronaut Photograph #4

https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/Collections/EarthFromSpace/lores.pl?PHOTO=ISS033 https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/Collections/EarthFromSpace/lores.pl?PHOTO=ISS016
‐E‐7873 ‐E‐27426

Wake Island in Pacific Ocean Cumulonimbus Cloud over Africa

3. On the first column, write down at least 3 visible features of each astronaut
photographs, associated earth system and observations. Meanwhile, on the
second column, write down your miscellaneous observations and/or you can
sketch a feature you observed from the image.
Visible Features, Earth Miscellaneous Observations
Systems and Observations and/or Sketch of the Feature
Astronaut Photograph #1
Feature: _______________________
Earth System: _________________
Observations: __________________

Astronaut Photograph #2
Feature: _______________________
Earth System: _________________
Observations: __________________

Astronaut Photograph #3
Feature: _______________________
Earth System: _________________
Observations: __________________

Astronaut Photograph #4
Feature: _______________________
Earth System: _________________
Observations: __________________

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4. Answer the following:
1) What are the proofs that life forms are existing in the pictures?
2) Describe how you think changes to one feature/system may affect
others.
3) How are the Earth spheres shown in the picture interconnected?

Activity 1.2: Connections within the Earth Systems

Earth system is essentially a closed system where it receives energy

from the sun and returns some of this energy to space. In contrast,
the four spheres of Earth (geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and
atmosphere) are considered open systems where both matter and
energy can flow across the boundaries. These systems are all
https://www.earthonlinemedia.com interconnected as shown in the diagram.

Directions: Try to analyze the diagram on the left which

shows the interconnected interactions within the
different Earth systems or spheres. Write the
corresponding number that matches to the
interconnection of two respective Earth spheres.

For example, connection no. 1 shows how atmosphere is

related to the biosphere. One explanation is that the
atmospheric chemistry and temperature (atmosphere) affect
organisms (biosphere). Letter A is done for you.

Explanation
1 A ) Atmospheric chemistry and temperature affect organisms
7 B ) Weathering and erosion controls nutrient supply to life in the oceans
3 C ) Atmospheric temperature affects evaporation
9 D ) Locations of continents controls circulation pattern of oceans
5 E ) Plants aid weathering (physical and chemical) of rocks
2 F ) Atmospheric chemistry and temperature affect weathering of rocks
6 G ) Plants control water transfer from soil to atmosphere
8 H ) Volcanic eruptions add carbon dioxide and aerosols to atmosphere
4 I ) Photosynthesis affects atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration
11 J ) Soil water limits plant growth
12 K ) Ocean circulation controls how much CO 2 is removed from atmosphere
10 L ) Rainfall and runoff erode the land surface

REMEMBER
Here’s the key concepts that you must remember on each Earth subsystem.
1. Biosphere: This sphere is associated with living systems such as biomes or
ecosystems. This includes life on land, in the oceans and rivers, and even life that
we cannot see with the naked eye.
o Features: coastal biomes, forests, desert, grasslands, and other ecosystems.
o Processes: photosynthesis, biogeochemical cycles (carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle..)
2. Hydrosphere: This sphere is associated with water in solid (ice) and liquid states.
It composed of all waters on the surface (oceans, rivers, and lakes) and also the
water underground (in wells and aquifers) and may also include moisture in air
(visible as clouds and fogs).
o Features: oceans, icebergs, lakes, rivers, glaciers, snow, and so on.
o Processes: hydrologic cycle (condensation, evaporation..), ocean circulation

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3. Atmosphere: This sphere relates to meteorological features and phenomena such
as weather, clouds, or aerosols (particles in the air). It includes an ever‐changing
mixture of gas and small particles located above and surrounding the Earth’s
surface.
o Features: clouds, weather, aurora, air pollution/aerosols, dust, and so on.
o Processes: atmospheric circulation
o Layers of the Atmosphere
Layer Major Features
Troposphere Densest part. Almost all weather types are in this region.
Location of ozone layer which absorbs and scatters the
Stratosphere
solar ultraviolet radiation.
Region where meteors usually burn up and become
Mesosphere
“shooting stars”
Ionosphere It is where radio communications possible.
Thermosphere It is the area of aurora and satellites.
Exosphere Upper limit of the atmosphere separating Earth and space.
4. Geosphere: This sphere is associated with solid portions of the Earth. It includes
rocks, sediments, soils, and surface landforms. It is predominantly classified as
the lithosphere: the upper mantle and crust.
o The associated features of the geosphere based on types are:
• Fluvial & Alluvial processes: deltas, river channels, canyons, alluvial fans
• Aeolian processes: sand dunes, yardangs, wind streaks
• Tectonic Processes: folds, faults, mountains
• Volcanic Processes: volcanoes, central vents, volcanic deposits
• Impact Processes: impact craters
• Other Processes: mass wasting processes, erosional processes
o Processes: weathering, erosion, mantle convection, volcanic eruption, and so on.
o Earth’s Interior Layers:
 Crust – upper portion composed of 2 types: Oceanic crust (underlies
the ocean basin) and Continental crust (underlies the continents) which
is most abundant composition is oxygen and silicon.
 Mantle – solid rock layer between crust and crust.
 Core – it is an iron-rich sphere divided into 2 parts: outer core (liquid
iron-nickel-sulfur, generates magnetic field) and inner core (solid iron-
nickel alloy)

CHECKING YOUR UNDERSTANDING

I. Matching A-B-C
Directions: Match Column A (Description) with Column B (Earth’s Sphere)then match
Column B with Column C (Process that happens in a specific Earth sphere) through
drawing a line between them.
Column A Column B Column C
It is a thin gaseous layer composed of • • biosphere • • atmospheric
78% N, 21% O, 0.9% Ar and other circulation
trace gases

It is the set of all life forms on Earth • • atmosphere • • photosynthesis

which covers all ecosystems.

It is the solid portions of Earth • • hydrosphere • • erosion,

including the crust, mantle and core. weathering

It is the combined mass of water found • • geosphere • • evaporation,

on, under, and above the surface. transpiration

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II. Explain Me
Explain the statement: “Earth consists of four subsystems, across whose
boundaries matter and energy flow.” Elaborate your explanation with concepts
and examples. ________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

III. What If?

Directions: Create your own illustration on how the
four spheres interact with each other. Choose one
process that may happen in any of the spheres
then try to describe how it will affect the other
systems. Use the rubric as your guide in making
your illustration. This activity requires you to
think critically and apply what you have learned
from this module. You can also be as creative as
you can in making the illustrations. It’s time to
show what you have learned and your talent!

For example, “What if a volcanic eruption (a process in the geosphere) happens?”

How it will affect the atmosphere? biosphere? hydrosphere?

Rubrics for Grading your illustration:

Criteria Score Scoring Guide

o Showed the proper
interconnection within the four
spheres. o 4 pts – Exceeds Expectation
o Clearly described the different
o 3 pts – Meets Expectation
components of the Earth System.
o Explained well how a process in o 2 pts – Needs Improvement
one system affects the other.
o 1 pt – Not Visible
o Organization of concepts
o Creative illustration.
Total Score

POSTTEST
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. If the answer is not found on the
choices, write letter E and identify the correct answer.

______ 1. Which of the following is the best description of the hydrosphere?

A. It is composed of the waters on earth including subsurface.
B. It is the mixture of gases that surround the earth.
C. It is only composed of surface water on earth.
D. It is only composed of liquid water on earth.

______ 2. Which biophysical component of earth is composed of all the living

organisms on earth, including those in land, water, and air?
A. biosphere C. atmosphere
B. geosphere D. hydrosphere

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______ 3. On which part of the atmosphere is the area of aurora and satellites?
A. troposphere C. mesosphere
B. stratosphere D. thermosphere

______ 4. What does the Earth’s inner core made up of?

A. liquid Fe-Ni-S C. rocks and metals
B. solid Fe-Ni alloy D. oxygen and silicon

______ 5. Which layer produces the Earth’s magnetic field?

A. inner core C. oxygen and silicon
B. outer core D. none of the above

______ 6. Which of the following is NOT a process in the geosphere?

A. photosynthesis C. erosion
B. mass movement D. weathering

______ 7. Which of the following best describes the troposphere?

A. It is above the mesosphere.
B. It extends up to 50 kilometers high.
C. It is the region where ozone layer is found.
D. It is the densest layer where almost all of weather types occur.

______ 8. Which of the following is NOT a correct analogy about the Earth Systems?
A. biosphere: weathering
B. geosphere: volcanic eruptions
C. hydrosphere: ocean circulation
D. atmosphere: atmospheric circulation

______ 9. Which of the following is TRUE about the Earth Systems?

A. It is essentially a closed system.
B. It is essentially an open system.
C. It is composed of three interconnected systems.
D. It does not allow matter and energy to move across other systems.
______ 10. What can you infer from the illustration below about the four spheres of
Earth?

A. The processes in the Earth’s sphere are

unidirectional processes.
B. The atmosphere regulates all the
processes on the other spheres.
C. The four spheres of Earth are
interconnected and interrelated.
D. This cannot be answered since the
information is incomplete.

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REFLECTIVE LEARNING SHEET

Name: ____________________________________________ Grade & Section: ____________

Earth-terrific! Systematic!
REFLECTIVE LEARNING SHEET No. 2
Directions: Write a reflective learning about what you have learned about the Earth
Systems by answering the questions inside the box. You may express
your answers in a more critical and creative presentation of your great
learning. Have fun and enjoy!
The lesson on Earth
•What learnings have I •What examples can I
Systems guides me to
found from this lesson? explore and think more?
ponder on...

•What learnings can I •What good character

•What is my conclusion
share with my family have I developed from
on the lesson?
and peers? this lesson?

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REFERENCES
Bayo-ang, R., Coronacion, M., Jorda, A., & Restubog, A. (2016). Earth and Life Science for Senior High
School. (M. Moncada, Ed.) Quezon City, Philippines: Educational Resources Corporation.

Creative Commons. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Planet_size_comparisons_%E2%80%93_Venus,_E
arth,_Mars.JPG

NASA. (n.d.). My NASA Data. Retrieved from https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/lesson-

plans/spheres-earth-introduction-making-observations-earth-using-earth-system-science

Development Team of the Module

Writers: Rosabelle N. Mahinay, TIII
Editors: Rebecca M. Roxas-EPS
Reviewers: Arlen Gatpo-PSDS
Management Team: Malcolm S. Garma, Regional Director
Genia V. Santos, CLMD Chief
Dennis M. Mendoza, Regional EPS in Charge of LRMS and
Regional ADM Coordinator
Maria Magdalena M. Lim, CESO V, Schools Division
Superintendent-Manila
Aida H. Rondilla, CID Chief
Lucky S. Carpio, Division EPS in Charge of LRMS and
Division ADM Coordinator

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