Spheres of Earth
Spheres of Earth
Activity Overview
This activity introduces students to aspects of the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and litho/geosphere and how they are interrelated. It is designed to promote an interest in authentic investigations of Earth using images acquired by astronauts as the hook.
Activity Scope
• Grades 5-12+ • Ages 10-17+ • Full Activity 3+ Hours
• Adaptations for Informal Use < 1 hour
• Adaptations for Informal Use < 1 hour
Relevant Topics
Earth System Science, astronaut photography
Adaptations for Informal Use
If using this activity or activity resources as part of an informal learning environment consider the following adaptations which can be completed in ~15-30+ minutes (depending on your discussion time):
Print or share the image resources with participants. Each resource includes an image along with information about the image. Laminate images to preserve them for multiple uses.
- Incorporate Art into Science: Have participants choose a picture of a feature and using a pencil, colored pencils, chalk, paint or some other medium, aim to recreate the image illustrating the variations in shading, textures, and features visible in the image. Discuss created images to identify features and associated Earth Systems.
- Identify Features & Associated Earth Systems: Have participants use the Quick Reference Sheet to assist in identifying features associated with different Earth Systems visible in each image.
- Use colored dots to represent each sphere (Atmosphere = yellow; Hydrosphere = blue; Biosphere = green; Geo/lithosphere = red).
- Participants can write the name of the feature on each colored dot and place the dot on the feature visible in the image.
- Discuss each image including how changes to a feature within one Earth System could have an effect on others.
These are a few adaptations you may consider using with your audiences. There are likely many other ways to utilize the resources included as part of this activity. Feel free to make additional adaptations as necessary to fit the needs of your learning environment.
Use astronaut images of Earth to bring together ART and SCIENCE!
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