11

Earth and Life

Science
First Semester
Module 2:
The Earth’s Subsystems

https://www.slideserve.com/makala/the-earth-as-a-system
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
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Assistant Schools Division Superintendent: Dr. Edmark Ian L. Cabio
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Writer: Analyn B. Pestañas

Evaluators: Ronie B. Mabayambang, Albert C. Umbac, Roche Ike B. Vios,

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 11

Earth and Life

Science
First Semester
Module 2:
 Earth and Life Science
First Semester
Module 2:
The Earth’s Subsystems

INTRODUCTION

This module is written in support of the K to 12 Basic Education Program to

ensure attainment of standards expected of you as a learner.
This aims to equip you with essential knowledge of the four Earth’s
subsystems namely atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
This includes the following activities/tasks:
■ Expected Learning Outcome — This lays out the learning outcome that you
are expected to have accomplished at the end of the module.
■ Pre-test — This determines your prior learning on the particular lesson you
are about to take.
■ Discussion of the Lesson —This provides you with the important
knowledge, principles and attitude that will help you meet the expected learning
outcome.
■ Learning Activities — These provide you with the application of the
knowledge and principles you have gained from the lesson and enable you to further
enhance your skills as you carry out prescribed tasks.
■ Post-test — This evaluates your overall understanding about the module.
With the different activities provided in this module, may you find this material
engaging and challenging as it develops your critical thinking skills.

1
 What I Need to Know
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

 explain that the Earth consists of four subsystems, across whose boundaries
matter and energy flow

What I Know

Four Subsytems of the Earth

To find out what you already know about the topic to be discussed in this
module, take the Pre-test.
Directions: There are four basic spheres that compose the Earth as
illustrated below. Complete the table by writing what you already learned about these
subsystems. Write your answers in your science notebook. Be reminded that in
writing the description present it in a paragraph form.

Source:http://resources.bishopmuseumeducation.org/resource_type/lesson/3.1.2_NASA_Celestial_Islands_Lesson.pdf

2
 Entity Sphere Name (1pt) Description (3pts)
Air

Land

Water

Life

Rubrics for Paragraph Writing - Descriptive

Citeria Excellent Good Fair Needs
(4 points) (3 points) (2 points) Improvement
(1 points)
Topic The topic sentence The topic sentence The topic sentence There is no topic
is the first sentence gives some clarity gives little sentence presented
Sentence in the paragraph. It of the overall evidence of a in the paragraph.
is a clear connectivity of the relevant topic
statement of the sentences present. connecting to the
paragraph content. other sentences.
Proof of Descriptive words Some descriptive An attempt at Few descriptive
are used to words are used to descriptive words words are used
Description describe the topic describe the topic was used to and/or no similie
and reach the five and reach the five describe the five and metaphore was
senses. At least senses. At least senses. However, present or the
one similie or one similie or the "sense" setting was unclear.
metaphor was metaphor was language was not
used. The setting used and the developed or a
was clear. setting was clear. similie or
metahphor was
missing, and/or the
setting was not
clear.
Organization Paragraph has Your paragraph Your paragraph Your paragraph was
good organization. contained mostly was confusing to hard to read, the
The sentences and well ordered read and had events were not
transitions were sentences. with limited use of organized, and
well structured. smooth transitions. transitions. The make little sense.
The Paragraph events jump
was easy to read. around too much.
Concluding The concluding The concluding The concluding There is no
statement is the statement is a statement is not a concluding
Statement last sentence of somewhat clear clear statement statement at the
the paragraph. It is statement that and does not end of the
a clear statement repeats some key repeat key words paragraph.
that repeats key words from the from the topic
words from the topic sentence. sentence.
topic sentence.
Mechanics You did not make You did not make You did not make You did not make
any spelling or any spelling or any spelling or any spelling or
grammatical grammatical grammatical grammatical
mistakes. You mistakes. You mistakes. You mistakes. You
included a title and included a title and included a title and included a title and
indented the indented the indented the indented the
paragraph paragraph paragraph paragraph

Source: https://www.rcampus.com/rubricshowc.cfm?sp=yes&code=M49WC6&

3
 What`s In

Activity 1
The Four Subsytems
You learned about the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere
from your past lesson. Can you still identify the difference between them? Try doing
the activity below.
The Earth system is quite complex. Scientists have divided it into four major
geological subsystems that make up the natural environment of Earth. These
subsystems are sometimes referred to as ecospheres.
Directions: Identify what subsystem is described below. Write your answers
in your science notebook.

1. _____________________________ -- the mixture of gases that surround the

planet. This system is divided by altitude into different layers.
2. _____________________________ -- is the solid portions of the Earth and the
layers within the Earth. See the illustration below.
3. _____________________________ -- all life on Earth. In other words, all living
organisms on Earth, including those on the land, in the water, and in the air. Within
this system, living things form ecological communities based on the physical
surroundings in an area. These communities are referred to as 4.
_____________________________.
5. _____________________________ – all water found on, under, and over the
surface of Earth.
6. _____________________________ – those portions of Earth's surface where
water is in solid form, including sea ice, lake ice, river ice, snow cover, glaciers, ice
caps, ice sheets, and frozen ground.
Source:http://homeschoolden.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Earth-Systems-Atmosphere-Geosphere-Biosphere-Hydrosphere-
Worksheets.pdf

Activity 2
Layers of the Earth
Direction: Use the word bank to label the diagram. Reflect your answers in
your science notebook.
Source: https://studylib.net/doc/6865430/layers-of-the-earth-worksheet

Asthenosphere Continental crust Core

Lithosphere Mantle Oceanic Crust
Inner Core Outer Core Crust

4
 3

Source:h ttps://
www.google.com/search?q=layers+of+the+earth&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjRzLzd9NvqAhUOxYsBHeZdAzIQ2-
cCegQIABAA#imgrc=kiIrLs2DsdjEVM

What`s New
In thermodynamics, a system is a group of interrelated and interdependent
components/ elements working together toward a common goal by accepting input
and producing outputs in an organized transformation process. There are mainly
three types of systems: open, closed, and isolated.

1. What makes a pot with boiling water inside a system?

2. Which of these pictures is an example of
a. a closed system?
b. open system?
c. isolated system?
3. How will you differentiate each system?
4. How will you relate this example to the Earth as a system?

5
 What Is It

Systems
A system refers to any parts of the universe being studied. If you are
conducting an experiment in a beaker, then the system you are studying is in the
beaker. The system is subject to surrounding factors such as air temperature and
pressure.
Thermodynamics involve the study of heat energy exchange between a
system and its surroundings.
There are three types of thermodynamic systems. Based on the possible heat
and matter transfer, they are classified as open, closed or isolated systems.

Types of Thermodynamic Systems

A. Open Systems
Open systems is one that freely allows energy and matter to be transferred
in and out of a system.
For example, boiling water without a lid. Heat escapes into the air. At the
same time steam (which is matter) also escapes into the air.
em-exchange-
B. Closed Systems
A closed system, on the other hand, does not allow the exchange of matter
but allows energy to be transferred. It allows heat to be transferred from the stove to
the water. Heat is also transferred to the surroundings. Steam is not allowed to
escape. Example of a closed system – a pressure cooker.

C. Isolated Systems
This system is completely sealed. Matter is not allowed to be exchanged with
the surroundings. Heat cannot transfer to the surroundings. A thermo flask is an
isolated system.
Source:https://surfguppy.com/thermodynamics/
thermodynamic-system-open-closed-isolated-systems/

Earth As A Closed System

Our planet is an important member of

the solar system. However, did you
know that the Earth is also a system? As
mentioned, a system is an organized
group of related objects or components
that work independently and interact to
create a whole. The size of the systems
vary; however, all systems have
boundaries. Most systems, liken, the

6
Earth System, have matter and energy that flow freely through the system. Our
Earth system runs smoothly due to the combination of smaller components that link
our planet together. To understand our system, we need to start with matter and
energy.
Matter, which is anything that has mass and takes up space, is one of the two
most basic components of our universe. Matter can be in the form of atoms,
molecules, or larger objects both living and nonliving. Energy, the other basic
component, is the ability to do work. The transfer of energy comes in many forms like
heat, light, or electromagnetic waves. Scientists, to describe systems, can use these
two components, specifically how matter and energy are transferred within a system.
How matter and energy are transferred determines whether the system is
closed or open. A closed system is a system where only energy is transferred or
exchanged with its surroundings. Matter is not part of this exchange. An open
system includes the transfer and exchange of both matter and energy with the
system's surroundings. All of the systems on Earth are classified as open systems.
However, the Earth system as a whole is considered a closed system because there
is a limit to how much matter is exchanged.

Source:https://worksheets.edhelper.com/ReadingComprehension_37_34.html

Since the energy from the sun (solar energy) as the Earth moves, crosses its
boundaries from the system and hits the earth while the matter (mass) remains fixed
or constant with its surroundings.This surely makes the planet earth to be considered
as a closed system.
Source:https://socratic.org/questions/how-can-planet-earth-be-considered-a-closed-system

Earth’s Subsystems
Everything in Earth's system can
be placed into one of four major
subsystems: land, water, living things, and
air. These four subsystems are called
"spheres." Specifically, they are the
"geosphere" (land), "hydrosphere" (water),
"biosphere" (living things), and
"atmosphere" (air). Each of these four
spheres can be further divided into sub-
spheres.

https://www.e-
education.psu.edu/earth107/
orientation/earthscienceprinciples
The Geosphere
contains all of the cold,
hard, solid land of the
planet's crust (surface),

7
the semi-solid land underneath the crust, and the liquid land near the center of the
planet. The surface of the lithosphere is very uneven. There are high mountain
ranges like the Rockies and Andes, huge plains or flat areas like those in Texas,
Iowa, and Brazil and deep valleys along the ocean floor. The solid, semi-solid, and
liquid land of the lithosphere form layers that are physically and chemically different.
The outermost layer of the lithosphere consists of loose soil rich in nutrients, oxygen,
and silicon. Beneath that layer lies a very thin, solid crust of oxygen and silicon. Next
is a thick, semi-solid mantle of oxygen, silicon, iron, and magnesium. Below that is a
liquid outer core of nickel and iron. At the center of the Earth is a solid inner core of
nickel and iron.
Characteristics:
 Rocks, sediments, soils, surface landforms
Role:
 Source of minerals and fuels
 Provides nutrients to plants
 Hold the water
 May shift to change the Earth’s surface
Processes that Shape the Lithosphere
 Water and ice
 Wind
 Volcano
 Plate tectonics
 Impact crating
 Living things
 Erosion and weathering

The Hydrosphere contains all the solid, liquid, and gaseous water on the
planet. It ranges from 10 to 20 kilometers in thickness. The hydrosphere extends
from Earth's surface downward several kilometers into the lithosphere and upward
about 12 kilometers into the atmosphere. A small portion of the water in the
hydrosphere is fresh (non-salty. Most of Earth's fresh water, however, is frozen.
Ninety-seven percent of Earth's water is salty. The salty water collects in deep
valleys along Earth's surface. These large collections of salty water are referred to as
oceans. Water near the poles is very cold while water near the equator is very warm.
The differences in temperature cause water to change physical states. Extremely low
temperatures like those found at the poles cause water to freeze into a solid such as
a polar ice cap, a glacier, or an iceberg
Characteristics:
 Clouds
 Oceans
 Water systems (seas, rivrs, groundwater)
 Vapor
Role:
 Provides habitat
 Helps regulate climate and disperse heat
 Necessary for living cells

The Biosphere contains all the planet's living things. This sphere includes all
of the microorganisms, plants, and animals of Earth. Within the biosphere, living
things form ecological communities based on the physical surroundings in an area.

8
 These communities are referred to as biomes. Deserts, grasslands, and tropical
rainforests are three of the many types of biomes that exist within the biosphere.
Characteristics:
 All life that exists in Earth
 Interaction of life to other subsystems for survival
Role:
 Where all of the other spheres work together to create and support life

The Atmosphere contains all the air in Earth's system. It extends from less
than 1 m below the planet's surface to more than 10,000 km above the planet's
surface. The upper portion of the atmosphere protects the organisms of the
biosphere from the sun's ultraviolet radiation. It also absorbs and emits heat. When
air temperature in the lower portion of this sphere changes, weather occurs. As the
air in the lower atmosphere is heated or cooled, it moves around the planet. The
result can be as simple as a breeze or as complex as a tornado.
Characteristics:
 Weather, clouds, aerosols (particles of the air), wind, heating and cooling,
climate
Role:
 Traps heat and blocks the sun’s rays

Interactions Between The Four Spheres

Hydro Although the four systems

have their individual identities, there
is an important interaction between
them. Environmental scientists study
Geo Event Atmos
the effects of events in one sphere
on the other spheres. There are ten
possible types of interactions that
Bio could occur within the earth system.
Four of these interactions are
an Event in between the event and each of the
earth's spheres. The double-headed arrows indicate that the cause and effect
relationships of these interactions go in both directions. These four types of
interactions can be illustrated in Figure 1. The "event < > hydrosphere" refers to the
effects of the event on the hydrosphere, as well as the effects of the hydrosphere on
the event. For example, a volcanic eruption in the geosphere may cause profound
direct and indirect effects on the hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere as follows.

Example: (Volcano) On May 18, 1980, Mount Saint Helens, in the state of
Washington, erupted. This event altered the surrounding environment, and provided
scientists with an opportunity to study the effects of volcanic eruptions on the
lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Such studies are important
because volcanic eruptions will continue to occur, and will have increasing impact on
humans as people continue to settle lands close to dormant volcanoes.

9
 In addition to the above four event-sphere
interactions, there are six interactions that occur
among the spheres themselves. Figure 2 illustrates
a few of the many interactions resulting from a
volcanic eruption. The ten types of interactions that
can occur within the earth system often occur as a
series of chain reactions. This means that one
interaction leads to another interaction, which leads
to yet another interaction—it is a ripple effect
through the earth's spheres.

Figure 2: Cause and Effect Relationship of an Event in

the Four Spheres (Connection Model)

Volcano >> Lithosphere >> Atmosphere >> Hydrosphere >> Biosphere

Volcanoes (an event in the lithosphere) release a large amount of particulate

matter into the atmosphere. These particles serve as nuclei for the formation of
water droplets (hydrosphere). Rainfall (hydrosphere) often increases following an
eruption, stimulating plant growth (biosphere). Particulate matter in the air
(atmosphere) falls out, initially smothering plants (biosphere), but ultimately enriching
the soil (lithosphere) and thereby stimulating plant growth (biosphere).

Volcano >> Lithosphere >> Hydrosphere >> Biosphere

Volcanoes (events in the lithosphere) may release a substantial amount of hot

lava (lithosphere), which causes mountain glaciers (hydrosphere) to melt. Mudflows
(lithosphere) and flooding may occur downstream from volcanoes and may inundate
streamside communities (biosphere).

Volcano >> Lithosphere >> Atmosphere >> Biosphere >> Lithosphere

Volcanoes (events of the lithosphere) release a large amount of carbon

dioxide (atmosphere), the raw material for sugar production in plants (biosphere).
This may increase photosynthetic production and eventually increase the amount of
biomass, which, after a very long time, forms coal and oil deposits (lithosphere).

Volcano >> Complex Interactions

 Volcanoes (lithosphere) may emit large quantities of sulfur dioxide (atmosphere).

 When atmospheric sulfur dioxide combines with water (hydrosphere), sulfuric and
sulfurous acid form.
 Rain (hydrosphere) may bring these acids to the Earth, acidifying soils
(lithosphere), lakes and rivers (hydrosphere).
 Acidic water leaches nutrients from the soil (lithosphere) into the water table
(hydrosphere), making the soil less fertile for plants (biosphere), and the
subterranean water supply (hydrosphere) less potable for humans (biosphere).
 Acid rain falling on lakes and streams reduces the pH of the water (hydrosphere),
which may result in a decrease in phytoplankton and zooplankton growth
(biosphere).

10
 If photosynthesis is reduced, atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide can
build up and stimulate global warming (atmosphere) which
may contribute to increased melting of glaciers (hydrosphere).

Source: https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/education/info_activities/pdfs/TBI_earth_spheres.pdf

An Example of an Earth System Science Analysis (ESS)

An ESS analysis was performed on the forest fires event that occurred in
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. This forest fires event occurred in 1988 and
destroyed tremendous areas of the park.
Below are some of the event Image of a gold double-sided arrow. sphere
interactions discovered during an ESS analysis of the Yellowstone forest fire event:

Event ↔ Hydrosphere
A lack of moisture in the soil and in vegetation may have provided a dry
environment in which the fires, once burning, could continue to burn.
Heat from the fire may have further removed moisture from the air, soil, and
vegetation through the process of evaporation.

Event ↔ Atmosphere
A lightning strike from the air may have started the fires by igniting the dry
vegetation.
Gaseous pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2) may have been produced
during the burning of the vegetation and carried into the air by the wind.

Event ↔ Lithosphere
The intense heat from the fires may have caused some rocks to break apart.

Event ↔ Biosphere
Dead branches and pine needles on the ground may have provided fuel for
the fires.
The seeds of some plants may have required that their outer shells be burned
before they could germinate; therefore they benefited from the forest fires.

Below are some of the sphere Image of a gold double-sided arrow. sphere
interactions discovered during the ESS analysis of the Yellowstone forest fire event:

Lithosphere ↔ Hydrosphere
Increased erosion of loose soil (see "Lithosphere ↔ Biosphere," below) may
have led to increased sediment (i.e. soil particles) in stream water, making the water
"muddier."

Lithosphere ↔ Biosphere
A decrease in vegetation may have resulted in increased soil erosion because
there were fewer roots to hold the soil in place.

Lithosphere ↔ Atmosphere
Ash particles in the air may have been carried by the wind and dropped on the
ground miles away from the forest fires; the ash particles--which have a high pH--
may have changed the pH of the soil.

11
Hydrosphere ↔ Biosphere
Ash particles in the water may have clogged the gills of fish and other aquatic
organisms and choked them.

Hydrosphere ↔ Atmosphere
There may have been more precipitation in neighboring areas because ash
particles in the air may have become condensation centers upon which raindrops
could form.
Very dry, windy air may have drawn the moisture out of the living grasses and
trees through the process of evaporation.

Biosphere ↔ Atmosphere
Smoke in the air may have coated the lungs of animals--including people--and
affected their ability to breathe.
Source: http://www.cotf.edu/ete/ESS/ESSmain.html

What`s More

Activity 1
Earth System Science Analysis (ESS)
Directions: You are going to make a connection model to show and explain
an event. You have to choose one of the list of events below. In writing the ESS, you
have to follow the example given in the discussion.

POSSIBLE EVENTS FOR ANALYSIS

1. Acid rain
2. BP oil spill
3. Tsunami
4. El Nino/La Nina

Explanatory Writing Rubric

Criteria Attempting Progressing Accomplishin Exceed
1 point 2 points g 4 points
3 points
Focus Writing is not Writing is Writing is focused on Writing is
sufciently focused somewhat focused the essential consistently and
on the essential on the essential question. strongly focused
question. question. on the essential
question.
Controlling Writing does not Writing identifies Writing clearly Writing clearly
identify an idea but does not explains an idea explains and
Idea about the central explain an idea about the central elaborates on an
text. about the central text. idea about the
text. central text.

12
 Textual Writing does not Writing refers to the Writing refers to the Writing refers to
refer to the text text in ways text in ways the text in ways
Evidence or refers to it in that are partially that are accurate and that are accurate
ways that are not accurate or relevant to and relevant to
accurate or relevant to the the explanation. the explanation,
relevant. explanation. and also
contribute to a
deeper
understanding of
the central
question.
Development Writing does not Writing supports its Writing supports its Writing supports
support explanation explanation its explanation
its explanation. with weak or with clear, with clear,
unclear ideas. persuasive and persuasive, and
reasonable ideas. original or creative
ideas.
Organization Writing is not Writing is Writing is organized Writing is
organized in a way organized but only to meet the purposefully and
that meets the task partially meets the task demands. thoughtfully
demands. task demands organized to meet
the task demands.
Word Choice Writing uses only Writing uses Writing accurately Writing accurately,
limited vocabulary moderately varied and clearly clearly and
and incorporates vocabulary and incorporates varied creatively
no attempts to vocabulary incorporates
language from the incorporate including language varied
text. language from the from the text. vocabulary
text. from the text. including language
from the text.
Conventions Writing has Writing has some Writing has few Writing has no
consistent errors in errors in usage errors in usage errors in usage or
usage and and mechanics. or mechanics. mechanics.
mechanics.

Source: https://www.tolerance.org/sites/default/files/2017-06/3-
5WTS_Explanatory%20Rubric.pdf

Activity 2
Match ME!

Directions: Match the pictures in the right

side to the description in the opposite side. Write the
letter of your
1. A large area of flat land that answer in your
is raised higher than the land science
around it notebook.

a.
2. a mound of raised land that
is smaller than a mountain

3. a narrow strip of land that b.

connects two large areas of
land
13

4. a strip of land that extends

 c.

d.

e.

Source:https://www.clarendonlearning.org/wpcontent/uploads/2017/08/
Landforms.pdf

6. a large area of flat land

f.

7. a large, tall, rocky area of

land that comes up out of the
earth’s surface
g.

8. a large crack in the earth

formed by a river or
earthquake
h.

9. an area of land that is

completely surrounded by
water
14

10. low, water land that is

 i.

j.

Source: https://www.clarendonlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Landforms.pdf

Activity 3
Biome Organism Matching Game
Directions: Below are lists of biomes and pictures of many organisms,
including animals, plants, fungi, and algae. Draw a line from the organism to the
biome(s) in which they are found. Keep in mind that some can live in more than one
biome. Label whether each organism is an animal (A), plant (P), fungus (F), or alga
(G). Some might fit into more than one category. Lastly, identify each organism from
the word box. All answers will be written in your science notebook.

4
2

14 Biomes
Taiga
Tropical forest 5
Temperate forest
Desert
13 Tundra
Savanna
Open ocean
Coastal ocean
Grassland 6
Freshwater

12 Names
Alligator
15
Brown bear
Oak tree
Patches of Grass
 7
11

10
9 8

Source: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/sites/default/files/resources/coloring_pages/pdf/aab-biome-matching-activity.pdf

Activity 4
Biome Facts Matching Game
Directions: Below are lists of biomes and facts. Draw a line from each fact to
the biome(s) to which it applies. Keep in mind that some facts are true for more than
one biome. All answers will be written in your science notebook.

Biomes

Taiga

Tropical forest

Temperate forest

Desert

Tundra
16
Savanna

Open ocean
 Source: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/sites/default/files/resources/coloring_pages/pdf/aab-biome-matching-activity.pdf

What I Have Learned

I learned that:
 the Earth is considered as a closed system since it only allows energy to flow in
and out while matter remains constant.
 the Earth is composed of four subsystems: Hydrosphere (water), Atmosphere
(air), Geosphere (land), and Biosphere (living things)
 these four subsystems interact with one another thus, there is a cause and effect
interaction.
 an analysis of these four sphere interactions is called Earth System Science

What I Can Do
17
 Activity 1
Naming the Earth’s Subsystems
Directions: As discussed, the Earth is composed of four subsystems. Draw
the diagram and label it in your science notebook.

Activity 2
Problem Solving
Directions: Read the scenario carefully. Reflect your understanding by
drawing and providing your solution in your science notebook.

Bacteria have been found 41 km high in the atmosphere and 10 km deep in

ocean trenches. If the radius of the Earth is approximately 6,378 km, what
percentage of planet Earth is occupied by these living things?

Activity 3
Naming the Earth’s Subsystems
Directions: Read the scenario carefully. List five living things in each item in
your science notebook.

Imagine you are standing in your local park. What living things exist:
a. in the air
b. on the ground
c. under the ground

Activity 4
Me and the Four Subsystems

18
 Directions: Materials and energy move between Earth’s four spheres. What
materials are necessary for your survival? Label each sphere and list five materials
you need within it in your science notebook.

Source: http://www.earthsciencewa.com.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=1127

Assessment

Post Test:

Directions: Write the letter of correct answers in your science notebook.

1. In what form is most of the Earth’s fresh water found?

a. in the oceans
b. in the seas
c. frozen
d. in the biosphere

2. The biosphere is a global ecosystem composed of biotic and the abiotic factors
from which they derive energy and nutrients. Where do plants and animals belong?
a. abiotic
b. biotic
c. both biotic and abiotic
d. cannot be determined

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3. The geosphere or rocky Earth formed from collisions of planetoids. Why do you
think geosphere is important? The Geosphere is important because it ___.
a. defines much of the environment we live in
b. controls the distribution of minerals, rocks and soils
c. generates natural hazards that shape the land and impact humans
d. all of the choices are correct

4. The hydrosphere is the liquid water component of the Earth. It includes the
oceans, seas, lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. The hydrosphere covers about 70%
of the surface of the Earth and is the home for many plants and animals.
The hydrosphere comes from Greek ὕδωρ hydōr, which means _____ and σφαῖρα
sphaira, that means "sphere."
a. sphere
b. Earth
c. life
d. water

5. Photosynthesis is an example of an interaction between the biosphere and the

___.
a. atmosphere
b. geosphere
c. cryosphere
d. hydrosphere

6. What is the Earth’s largest system?

a. atmosphere
b. hydrosphere
c. biosphere
d. geosphere

7. What is the Earth’s outermost system?

a. atmosphere
b. hydrosphere
c. cryopshere
d. geosphere

8. How do the Earth’s four subsystems work together? They work together to ____.
a. influence the climate
b. trigger geological processes
c. affect life all over the Earth.
d. all of the above

9. Approximately what percentage of the Earth’s water is available for human use?
a. 100%
b. 5%
c. 1%
d. 50%

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10. The water cycle , also known as the hydrologic cycle, describes the continuous
movement of water as it makes a circuit from the oceans to the atmosphere to the
Earth and on again. Which of the choices is the most significant role of water cycle?
a. it enables the availability of water in liquid form for all living organisms
b. regulates weather patterns on our planet
c. moves things like nutrients, pathogens and sediment in and out of aquatic
ecosystems
d. collects nutrients from the soil as it runs over making it available
for plant growth in lower lands

11. Why do you think freshwater is important for life on Earth?

a. without freshwater sources we will get sick and die because our body is
composed of 75% water
b. plants cannot survive without freshwater since it is highly needed in
photosynthesis to be able to produce food
c. food from plants is needed by higher forms of living things such as
humans
d. all of the above

12. What do you call an instrument used by scientists to measure and record
precipitation over land and water on a global scale?
a. a bucket
b. Thermometers
c. Satellites
d. Rain gauge
13. What is an example of a connection between atmosphere and geosphere.
a. water
b. Nitrogen
c. Volcanic eruption
d. mountains

14. Which among the choices given is an example of a connection between

hydrosphere and atmosphere?
a. Rivers
b. Rain
c. Lakes
d. Rocks

15. Which of the following is an example of biosphere connecting to the

atmosphere?
a. plants that produce oxygen
b. Animals that eat plants
c. animals that live in the cave
d. Animals that drink water

16. Which of the given choices is an example of a connection between hydrosphere

and geosphere?
a. boats transporting goods
b. Fish swimming in the water
c. water evaporating to make clouds

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 d. waves eroding rocks on the beach

References

http://resources.bishopmuseumeducation.org/resource_type/lesson/
3.1.2_NASA_Celestial_Islands_Lesson.pdf

http://homeschoolden.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Earth-Systems-Atmosphere-
Geosphere-Biosphere-Hydrosphere-Worksheets.pdf

https://www.quora.com/What-does-a-closed-system-exchange-with-its-surroundings

https://surfguppy.com/thermodynamics/thermodynamic-system-open-closed-
isolated-systems/

https://worksheets.edhelper.com/ReadingComprehension_37_34.html

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https://socratic.org/questions/how-can-planet-earth-be-considered-a-closed-system

https://www.clarendonlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Landforms.pdf

https://studylib.net/doc/6865430/layers-of-the-earth-worksheet

https://wordmint.com/public_puzzles/304179

https://askabiologist.asu.edu/sites/default/files/resources/coloring_pages/pdf/aab-
biome-matching-activity.pdf

http://www.swlauriersb.qc.ca/Schools/mccaig/Teachers/dstrina/
layersofatmospherestbooklet.pdf

https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/education/info_activities/pdfs/TBI_earth_spheres.pdf

http://www.cotf.edu/ete/ESS/ESSmain.html

http://www.earthsciencewa.com.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=1127

http://resources.bishopmuseumeducation.org/resource_type/lesson/
3.1.2_NASA_Celestial_Islands_Lesson.pdf

https://www.slideserve.com/makala/the-earth-as-a-system

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