Earth's Atmosphere

What You'll Learn

The atmosphere has several layers. The troposphere (closest to Earth) contains our weather. The stratosphere contains the ozone layer that protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Key Words

sedimentary
fossil

Materials Needed

rocks
sand
clay
water

Safety First

Keep small objects away from young children.
Work in a well-ventilated area when using vinegar or other strong-smelling substances.
Dispose of materials properly after the experiment.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Read the introduction and identify the main idea of this lesson.

Step 2 — Do

Create a model of the water cycle in a bowl: place warm water in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, put ice on top, and observe condensation and precipitation.

Step 3 — Observe

Look for patterns in your observations.

Step 4 — Record

Make a graph or chart showing your results.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What is the atmosphere?