Back to Icy Worlds: Astrobiology
Icy Worlds – U3, Lesson 1: Planetary System Interactions
In this lesson: Students will begin by activating prior knowledge of Earth’s four major systems (atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere), then closely examine examples of interactions between these systems.
Lesson Level Question: How do the four major planetary systems (atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere) influence and control each other here on Earth?
Engage
Students will create models (diagrams) to demonstrate what they think they know about the four major Earth systems (biosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere).
Explore
Students will work in small groups to examine various ways that Earth systems interact, sorting them based on which systems are interacting. Then, they will focus on interactions that involve their two assigned systems.
Explain
Each group will share out about the interactions that involve their two spheres. The teacher will moderate a whole class discussion about any areas of confusion or disagreement.
Elaborate
Students will investigate the target body for this year’s challenge and create a model (diagram) of the major systems present on this diagram.
Evaluate
Students will compare and contrast their system models of Earth and the target body.
Extend (optional)
Grades 3 – 8: Students will expand on the interaction list from the “Engage” portion of the lesson.
Grades 9 – 12: Students will examine an important phenomenon from a four-systems approach.