Earth?s Atmosphere

Summary
This lesson familiarizes students with the Earth?s atmosphere.

Objectives
• To be able to describe what an atmosphere is and what Earth?s atmosphere is.

• To be able to know the different layers of Earth?s atmosphere.

• To be able to list the main boundaries between the different layers of Earth?s atmosphere.

Suggested Grades
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade

Excerpt
When the word atmosphere is used, it usually is referring to air. In reality, this air is made up of layers of gases that surround the planets. Earth and most of the planets in the Solar System have an atmosphere, though each atmosphere is different than the others. For example, the atmosphere of the Sun is mainly made from hydrogen gas. Earth?s atmosphere or air is made up of gases and particles. The main gases in our atmosphere are: oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. There are also other gases present in the atmosphere in small amounts, such as carbon dioxide and ozone. It is the presence of these gases that protect our planet from the direct effects of the Sun, keep us warm, and make life on Earth possible.

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