About the Earth as a System: Background Information

• This article introduces students to Earth's five major systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, geosphere, and biosphere) and how the systems are interconnected.
• The 3-D satellite imagery of the systems helps students visualize the complex interactions in different parts of the world.

Positives

• The video shows some systems at the same time, like soil moisture and precipitation, to help with student understanding.
  
• The article is concise and uses simple, accessible language.

Additional Prerequisites

• The video takes place over three months and starts with each system individually and then pairs them, showing each system multiple times in various locations.
• You may need to pause the video periodically to discuss the content with students.

Differentiation

• To better engage students with the video, have them write down what they noticed about their region of the world and one other region. Were there any similarities or differences?
• Have older students research how climate change is affecting each of the Earth's systems.
• To ensure younger students catch the subtle changes in the video, watch the video as a class on a large screen.
• Watch this video to learn how humans influence the Earth's systems.

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.