Annie Alberto

Earth & Life Science 11

ACTIVITY#1: Summarizing the Concepts Given below are the four subsystems of Earth. Explain
how each subsystem affect the flow of matter and energy on Earth.

A. Geosphere
When Earth’s surface is warmer than the atmosphere, the ground will transfer energy to the
atmosphere. When air comes into direct contact with the warm surface of Earth, energy is
passed to the atmosphere by conduction.

B. Atmosphere
As the cold air sinks, it forces warm less-dense air out of the way. This movement of air
distributes energy throughout the atmosphere. The transfer of energy especially heat, due to
the movement of matter such as air is called convection.

C. Hydrosphere
Water moves through the hydrosphere in a cycle. Water collects in clouds, then falls to earth
in the form of rain or snow. This water collects in rivers, lakes and oceans. Then it
evaporates into the atmosphere to start the cycle all over again.

D. Biosphere
Energy enters the biosphere as sunlight. Plants change this energy into chemical energy
through the process of photosynthesis. Then, the energy is passed to organisms that eat the
plants. Energy and matter are also passed between organisms when they eat one another.

ACTIVITY#2: Answer the following questions focusing on the content of our lesson. Write
your answers on a paragraph form with five (5) to six (6) statements per paragraph.

1. Why is Earth considered unique compared with other planets?

Planet Earth is unique because amongst the other it has life. Inside of it are living things
like plants, animals especially the human being. It is one of a kind to be the only planet to
have water and 70% of water covers the surface. It is amazing how earth is not too far nor
too near from the sun by which we have moderate climate change. Earth is the only
planet to have a normal atmosphere which enabled the possibility of life to live. Truly
earth is the most beautiful planet in the solar system.

2. Human beings are parts and parcels of the earth system. Cite one
specific event in history that shows the impact of manmade activities
which affected or contributed to the planet.
During WWI, world war I was most damaging because of landscape changes caused by
trench warfare. Digging trenches caused trampling of grassland, crushing of plants and
animals, and churning of soil. Erosion resulted from forest logging to expand the network
of trenches. Soil structures were altered severely, and if the war was never fought, in all
likelihood the landscape would have looked very differently today.

3. Make a concept map showing the conditions that make a living planet.

Has the right chemical

ingredients for life
including water, carbon
and oxygen

The temperature is just

right not too hot nor too
cold
Should be able to hold
an atmosphere
Annie Alberto
Earth & Life Science 11

PLANE
T
EARTH

Should not have a very Must have a molten core

low mass

4. Identify characteristics of each subsystem that support life. Ex:

Geosphere: It has a solid crust where organisms can live

 Atmosphere – The gases in the atmosphere include nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon
dioxide. Along with water vapor, the atmosphere allows life to survive.

 Hydrosphere – provides a place for many plants and animals to live in

 Biosphere – is the collection of all ecosystems, and it represents the zones of life on
earth

 Geosphere – a layer of soil in which nutrients become available to living organisms,

and which thus provides an important ecological habitat and the basis of many forms
of life.