Competency: Describe the different layers of the atmosphere Lesson: Time Frame: I.

Layers of the Atmosphere one period

Objectives At the end of the activities, the students should be able to: 1. identify the different layers of the atmosphere and their importance; 2. compare the different layers of the atmosphere; and 3. explain the changes in air temperature with altitude. 4. explain what is temperature inversion. II. Subject Matter A. Topic: Layers of the Atmosphere B. References: Science and Technology by Rabago et al., pp. 215-218 Meteorology by Donald Ahrens, pp. 9-12 C. Materials: Chart, illustration of the layers of the earth, LCD Projector, Laptop III. Learning Tasks (Strategies: Cooperative Learning, Lecture: Deductive Method) A. Review 1. Review on Water Pollutants B. Motivation 1. How far does the atmosphere extend? What are its components? C. Lesson Proper/Discussion The Earth's atmosphere is a thin layer of gases that surrounds the Earth. It composed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.9% argon, 0.03% carbon dioxide, and trace amounts of other gases. 1. Layers of the Atmosphere 1. Troposphere 5. Mesosphere 2. Tropopause 6. Mesopause 3. Stratosphere 7. Thermosphere 4. Stratopause 8. Exosphere Troposphere Temp decrease w/ height. Most of our weather occurs in this layer. Varies in height around the globe, but averages about 11 km in height. Tropopause separates Troposphere from Stratosphere. Stratosphere - Temperature inversion in stratosphere. Ozone plays a major part in heating the air at this altitude Mesosphere - Middle atmosphere Air thin, pressure low, Need oxygen to live in this region. Air quite Cold 90C (-130F) near the top of mesosphere Thermosphere - Hot layer oxygen molecules absorb energy from solar Rays warming the air. Very few atoms and molecules in this Region. An increase of temperature with height is known as temperature inversion. The stratosphere is actually a large temperature inversion. The increase of temperature with height is due to the absorption of UV rays by ozone molecules in the stratosphere. Activity on Layers of the Atmosphere (Strategy: Think, Pair & Share). Refer to the drawing below to illustrate the varying temperature at different altitudes.

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Generalization The atmosphere envelops the Earth. It is made up of gases of different concentrations. The atmosphere can be grouped into several layers according to the variation in temperature. The troposphere is the lowest layer. It is about 10 to 18 km from Earths surface. In this layer, temperature decreases with increasing altitude. Weather phenomena occur in this layer. The stratosphere extends to a height of 45 km. Within this layer is the ozone layer, which absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The mesosphere extends to about 80 km from Earths surface. The temperature here decreases with height. The thermosphere is a thin layer of air above the mesosphere. Electrically charged particles called ions are found here. It is responsible for the transmission of radio waves used in broadcasting. The lowest layer is the densest part due to the concentration of gases present. Most gases stay in this layer because of the pull of gravity on the molecules. 99% of the atmosphere lies in this area. The interaction of land, water, sun and air causes the formation of weather in the troposphere. E. Valuing/Application Why do mountain climbers bring along portable oxygen tanks when they go up a mountain? F. Assessment 1. What is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere? A) nitrogen B) oxygen C) ozone D) carbon dioxide 2. The layers of the atmosphere are based on changes in the . . . A) wind patterns B) amount of pollution C) amount of oxygen D) temperature 3. The thermosphere contains the A) stratosphere B) mesosphere C) ionosphere D) exosphere 4. What is the uppermost layer of the atmosphere? A) exosphere B) troposphere C) stratosphere D) thermosphere 5. What protects living things from too much ultraviolet radiation? A) oxygen B) the ozone layer C) nitrogen D) argon IV. Agreement/Assignment 1. Going deeper: Research and write a report explaining the reasons for the temperature differences and occurrence of weather in the troposphere.

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Department of Education Division of Cagayan de Oro City BULUA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

LESSON PLAN
(Class Observation) January 21, 2011 I Chrysanthemum, Santan

Prepared by: NICK C. PAARES Science Teacher

Submitted to:

NIMFA R. LAGO, PhD Secondary School Principal II