NOT FOR SALE

SENI

Earth & Life OR

HIGH

Quarter 1 – Module 1
WEEK 1

SDO Taguig Ci1ty and Pateros

 Let’s Learn

This module is divided into two lessons, namely:

• Lesson 1 – Earth Structure
• Lesson 2 – Earth Spheres
After going through this module, you are expected to:
a. explain how the Earth formed;
b. identify the layers of the Earth;
c. summarize the properties of Earth that make it a habitable planet;
d. classify the four spheres of the Earth;
e. analyze how the four spheres of Earth interact with one another; and
f. identify the processes involved in the flow of matter and energy through biogeochemical
cycles.

Let’s Try

PRETEST: Find out how much you already know about this lesson by taking the following test. Choose
the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers in your Science journal.

1. Which of the following layers of the earth remains solid despite high temperature?
a. outer core b. inner corec. lower mantle d. upper mantle
2. Which of the following gases exist in the atmosphere in greatest amount?
a. carbon dioxide b. nitrogen c. oxygen d. water vapor
3. When you look at the globe or a view of Earth from space, you will understand why earth is
called the blue planet. Which of the following Earth spheres represents the blue region?
a. atmosphere b. biosphere c. geosphere d. hydrosphere
4. Earth has unique properties that make it suitable for life. The following characteristics make
Earth habitable EXCEPT:
a. it has plate tectonics c. it has water in liquid form
b. it has high extinction rates d. it makes photosynthesis possible
5. The ideal location of Earth in the solar system also contributes to the reason why it is
considered as the only living planet. What do scientists call this location?
a. Cinderella zone b. Goldilocks zone c. Terrestrial zone d. Jovian zone
6. Earth is composed of different spheres that interact with one another to recycle natural
resources. Which of the following spheres contains the solid portion of the Earth from crust
down to the core?
a. atmosphere b. biosphere c. geosphere d. hydrosphere
7. Which of the following Earth subsystems includes all the microbes, plants and animals that
inhabit the Earth?
a. atmosphere b. biosphere c. geosphere d. hydrosphere
8. Which of the following layers of the atmosphere has the coldest temperature and protects the
Earth from meteoroids?
a. mesosphere b. stratosphere c. thermosphere d. troposphere
9. Which layer of the geosphere behaves like a plastic as it flows slowly allowing plates to move
above it?
a. asthenosphere b. atmosphere c. biosphere d. lithosphere

10. According to scientists, the solar system was formed based on solar nebular theory. What does
this theory imply?
a. It implies that the planets formed from the fragments of the sun.
b. It implies that the planets started from a cloud of gas and dust called nebula.
c. It implies that a giant comet collided with the sun and the resulting debris formed into
planets.
d. It implies that a speeding massive star passed near the sun and pulled off the material due
to gravitational attraction, this material formed into planets.
 11. Which of the following layers of the Earth makes up the surface of the lithosphere and is
divided into oceanic and continental type?
a. core b. crust c. mantle d. plates
12. The early Earth is very different from what Earth is today. Which of the following statements
best describes the early Earth?
a. It is made up of seven continents.
b. It consists of different layers and interacting subsystems.
c. It is characterized by frequent asteroid and meteorite bombardment.
d. It is a closed system because there is limit how much matter is exchanged.
13. Who discovered that the Earth contains a solid inner core surrounded by a liquid outer core?
a. Barrell b. Gutenberg c. Lehmann d. Mohorovicic
14. Which of the following represents the correct analogy of the characteristics of the Earth’s
spheres?
a. ATMOSPHERE : solid earth / BIOSPHERE : living organisms
b. BIOSPHERE:living organisms / GEOSPHERE:solid earth
c. GEOSPHERE:solid earth / HYDROSPHERE:gaseous envelope
d. HYDROSPHERE:water portion / ATMOSPHERE:living organisms
15. Which of the following biogeochemical cycles refers to the overall global interactions of living
organisms and their physical and chemical environment?

L
Earth Structure
e
a. carbon cycle b. nitrogen cycle c. oxygen cycle d. water cycle
Let’s Recall

Can you recall some of the basic facts about Earth? Arrange the jumbled letters to find the missing
words in the description box below.
OBL E HT 1. The shape of Earth is not a perfect sphere. Instead, it is flattened
PES at the poles and bulges at the equator. Earth’s shape is described as
AROID .
2. Earth is considered a rocky planet because it is mainly
T E RR composed of rocks and metals. The other word for “rocky” is
TIAL
ESR .

3. About 300 million years ago, Earth has one massive super
A P N A continent called which later broke up due to
A G E
movement of tectonic plates.

Let’s Explore
QuickLab 1: “Eggs-periment Time!”

Materials: hard boiled-egg, spoon or fork

Procedure: Crack the egg, slice it in the middle using the handle of the spoon or
fork. Analyze the layers of the egg from the shell to the yolk.
 How would you compare the layers of a hard-boiled egg to the
layers of the Earth?
 Let’s Elaborate

In QuickLab 1, you have learned that just like an egg – Earth is also composed of different
layers. How do you think these layers formed? Do you think these layers are made up of different
materials? Why do scientists say that the Earth is the only habitable planet in the solar system?
AboutA4.6 billion years ago, the solar system settled to its current layoutCin the Milky way galaxy.
Refer to Figure 1.1 to understand better the stages of the solar system formation.

F E D
IMAGES RETRIEVED
FROM:

FIGURE 1.1 Stages of Solar System Formation : A. The solar system started as a
nebula – a cloud of gas and dust; B. gravity collapsed the mGaterials in the center
together; ; D. centimeter-sized particle
accreted; E. kilometer-Hsized planetesimals accreted due to physical
collision; F. bigger planetesimals accreted due to gravity; G. molten
protoplanets formed due to heat of accretion; and H. protoplanets grew bigger and
became planets

The planetesimals assume their orbits and gather surrounding debris in a process called sweeping.
Because the terrestrial planets form close to the proto-sun (our sun in its infant stage), the warmth melts
away any ices so rocky planets form. The Gas Giants are at a greater distance and much of the ice and
gas remains.

During the sweeping process, the protoplanets undergo another natural phenomenon called chemical
differentiation, a process in which heavy elements sink towards the center of the object while the light
elements remain closer to the surface. This is the reason for the external structures of the planets are
dense, rocky and heavy.

The Layers of the Earth

OUTER CORE – this molten

metallic core gave rise to the
Earth’s magnetic field
INNER CORE – remains solid due
to high pressure
LOWER MANTLE – the lower
mantle below the asthenosphere is
more rigid and less plastic
UPPER MANTLE – together with
the crust forms the lithosphere
LITHOSPHERE – the rigid outer
P ro p e r t ie s o f
https://slideplayer.com/spli ade r /t1 4o 0f 4 t9 h2 5e6 E
E a r th th a t M a k e It H a bitable
Wikimedia Commons
a r t h , c o n s is t i ng o f
crust and uppeFIrGmURaEnt1l.e2
ASTHENOSPHERE – lies below
the lithosphere; highly viscous,
4 mechanically week and ductile
t e
 sun is just enough.

Let’s Dig In

Activity 1: “What’s your Order, Sir?”

Complete the sequence chart below based on what you have learned about the formation of the solar
system and its planets including Earth.

2.
4.
the center, light materials
center, rise to the Earth's
then surface
sun is
formed

Activity 2: “Fill it up!”

In the previous pages, you have learned about the different layers of the Earth and their characteristics.
Let us check your understanding by filling in the boxes below with the correct letters to identify the
layers of the Earth being described.
1. remains solid despite high temperature (2 words, 9 letters)
2. composed of crust and uppermost solid mantle (1 word, 11 letters)
3. the relatively thicker crust due to high elevation (2 words, 16 letters)
4. thickest layer of the Earth and composed of molten rocks in the lower portion and solid
rocks in the upper portion (1 word, 6 letters)
5. lies beneath the lithosphere and causes movement of tectonic plates (1 word, 13 letters)
6. molten layer of the Earth that gave rise to Earth’s magnetic field (2 words, 9 letters)
7. makes up the surface of the lithosphere and is divided into oceanic and continental type
(1 word, 5 letters)

Activity 3:
You have learned that Earth is a planet that can sustain life because of its unique characteristics. In this
activity, you will summarize Earth’s habitable features relative to the characteristics of its neighboring
planets - Mercury, Venus and Mars. Write your answers on the second column.

CHARACTERISTICS OF NEIGHBORING CHARACTERISTICS OF

PLANETS EARTH
Mercury and Venus are the only planets in 1.
the solar system without a moon.
Venus’ close proximity to the sun trapped 2.
enough heat to create a runaway greenhouse
effect.
Water on Mars exists as ice, some as vapor 3.
in the atmosphere.
Carbon cycle is incomplete in Venus due to 4.
the absence of water.
Venus has no plate tectonics, no deep 5.
seafloor, no steep mountains and no
continents.

Let’s Remember
 Sum up what you have learned in Lesson 1 by completing the graphic organizer below.

FORMATIO

LAYE

1
UNIQUE PROPERTIES
THAT ENABLE IT TO 8
SUSTAIN LIFE

11-15
Let’s Apply

Reflect on the things that you do that affect Earth positively and negatively. Summarize your thoughts
on the table below.

HOW TO REDUCE OR
POSITIVE IMPACTS NEGATIVE IMPACTS ELIMINATE NEGATIVE
IMPACTS
Example:
Planting vegetables in our backyard Burning dried leaves and Refrain from burning dried
trash leaves because it increases air
pollution
Your answer:

Let’s Recall

L
e Earth’s Spheres

Recall the concepts you have learned in

Can you recall what you have learned in
Lesson 1? Search and encircle the words
upward, downward, forward, backwards
and on the diagonal to find the 10 hidden
terms related to Earth formation, layers and
unique properties.

Let’s Explore

QuickLab 2: “You
Reap What You Sow.”

Material: monggo seeds, soil, any

recycled can (with approximate diameter of 2 inches and height of 3 inches)
 Procedure: Label the cans with A and B. Put soil in each. Gently push 5 monggo seeds in each can at
least 1-inch-deep into the soil. Water the soil until it is damp enough but make sure not to put too
much that would make the seeds drown. Place can A on a spot where there is direct sunlight. Place
can B on a spot where there is no sunlight. Observe for 3 days.

Which can will grow seeds faster, can A or can B? Why? Write
your hypothesis on your Science journal.
L et’ s E lab o r a te
Can you se e a n y c h a n ges on the seeds from day 1 to
day

In QuickLab 3, you have proven that water, sunlight and soil are important
ingredients to ensure healthy growth of the monggo seeds. By this, we can infer
that E h spheres interact with one another to help sustain life.

TABLE 2.1 THE EARTH SPHERES

HYDROSPHERE
• makes up about 71% of the Earth’s
surface
• about 97% is saltwater and 3%
freshwater
• only 22% of the freshwater is accessible
for human use in the form of ground
water
• interacts with the other Earth spheres
through the water cycle
GEOSPHERE
• does not only comprise the visible solid
layer but also extends to the center of
the Earth
• divided into layers called crust (1%),
mantle (82%) and core (17%)
• the boundary between the crust and
mantle is called Mohorovičić
discontinuity
• the boundary between the mantle and
the core is the Gutenberg
discontinuity
• the outer core and inner core is
separated by Bullen discontinuity or
Lehmann discontinuity
ATMOSPHERE
• thin, gaseous envelope of Earth
• liquid water is attained on Earth
because its temperature is “not too hot,
not too cold”
• composed of 78% nitrogen, 21%
oxygen, 0.9% argon and other trace
gases
• divided into different layers:
troposphere, stratosphere,
mesosphere, thermosphere and
exosphere
BIOSPHERE
• biological component of the Earth that
includes all living organisms
• encompasses all the living things found
on the other spheres
• the term biosphere was coined by
geologist Edward Suess in 1875
• divided into biomes which are classified
into : aquatic, forest, desert, tundra
• also includes the part of Earth modified
by humans, the anthroposphere

Example of Earth Spheres Interaction

Angat Dam is a concrete water reservoir hydroelectric dam located in Norzagaray, Bulacan. It supplies
about 90% of raw water requirements for Metro Manila through the Metropolitan Waterworks and
Sewerage System. It also irrigates about 28,000 hectares of farmland in the provinces of Bulacan and
Pampanga. (Wikipedia). Figure 2.1 shows the image of Angat dam as well as the interaction of Earth
spheres related to it.
 Angat dam is made up of concrete materials (raw
components are rock, sand and gravel that comes
from geosphere). It was built to collect rainfall
(hydrosphere) which undergo filtration for it to be
viable for human consumption (biosphere). Some
of the water
in7 the dam also seeps into the ground and
becomes groundwater (hydrosphere). Hot
temperatures allow some of the water in the dam
to evaporate (atmosphere)
 Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Flow of Matter in the Biosphere

The flow of matter in the biosphere is referred to as the biogeochemical cycles. These cycles show the
movement of substances from their non-living reservoir through the various food chains of the
ecosystem and their return to the oxygen, carbon dioxide-oxygen and water cycles.

TABLE 2.2 THE BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES

NITROGEN CYCLE CARBON CYCLE

Bacteria changes nitrogen into ammonium to
make nitrogen usable to plants (fixation). This
ammonium gets changed into nitrates by bacteria
(nitrification). Plants absorb nitrates from the soil
into their roots (assimilation). The nitrogen gets
used in amino acids, nucleic acids, and
chlorophyll. When a plant or animal dies,
decomposers like fungi and bacteria turn the
nitrogen back into ammonium so it can reenter
the nitrogen cycle (ammonification). Extra
nitrogen in the soil gets out into the air
(denitrification).
OXYGEN CYCLE
High energy sunlight breaks apart oxygen bearing
molecules to produce free oxygen (photolysis).
This free oxygen then recombines with existing
O2 molecules to make O3 or ozone. Ozone helps to
shield the earth from the majority of harmful
ultraviolet radiation by turning it into harmless
heat before reaching the earth surface. Humans
and animals breathe in oxygen to be used in
metabolic process and exhaling carbon dioxide
(respiration). The reverse of this process can be
done by plants and plankton (photosynthesis).
Plants take carbon dioxide from the air and use it
to make food (photosynthesis). Animals then eat
plants, hence, carbon is stored in their bodies or
released in the atmosphere (respiration). Plants
and animals die and are ultimately decomposed
by organisms in the soil (decomposition). The
carbon in their tissues is oxidized to carbon
dioxide and returned to the atmosphere
(combustion).
WATER CYCLE
Water from seas, ocean and lakes enter the
atmosphere in form of water vapor
(evaporation). Water in the leaves of the plants
also evaporate to the atmosphere (transpiration).
As water vapor rises into the atmosphere, it cools
and return to liquid state (condensation) forming
clouds. When the clouds become heavy, water
fall as rain, snow or hail (precipitation). The
water that falls to the ground can evaporate,
collect, run off or infiltrate. Water that infiltrate
move through the deeper layers of the soil and
combine with ground water (percolation).

Let’s Dig In

Activity 1: “Unforget-TABLE”
Use the table below to check if you can distinguish among the Earth spheres. Evaluate the 12 given
components of Earth and classify them according to the correct Earth spheres where they belong:

Components of Earth
air ground water humans
ocean water vapor snow
1 2 .ox
3 microbeHsYDROSPH6E oRuEter core O H E E
 GEOSPHERE BIOSPHERE

Activity 2: “Exer-CYCLES”
Identify the biogeochemical cycles and biogeochemical processes involved.
BIOGEOCHEMICAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL
DESCRIPTION CYCLE PROCESS
Example:conversion of water into gaseous
state or vapor water cycle evaporation

slow movement of water through the pores 1. 8.

in soil to combine with ground water

evaporation of water from leaves, stems and 2. 9.

flowers

absorption of nitrates from the soil into the 3. 10.

plant roots

decomposition of oxygen molecules by 4. 11.

sunlight energy

breakdown of dead, organic substances into 5. 12.

simple organic and inorganic matter such as
carbon dioxide
recycle of organically-bound nitrogen after 6. 13.
organisms death and decomposition

biological oxidation of ammonia to nitrite 7. 14.

followed by oxidation of nitrite to nitrate

Activity 3: “PHOTO-synthesis”
Analyze the given photographs. Synthesize how the four spheres of Earth interact with one another
(you may use the Angat dam sample as your pattern). Write your explanations on your Science journal.
 IMAGE SOURCE:
https://mindanaodailymirror.ph/Main/full_article/nu
mber- of-people-affected-by-taal-eruption-now-over-
65k4655 Phreatic eruption of Taal Volcano on
January 12, 2020, 43 years after its previous eruption
in 1977.

IMAGE
SOURCE:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoon_H
aiyan Typhoon Yolanda is one of the
deadliest typhoons in the Philippines

Let’s Remember

Summarize what you have learned in Lesson 2 by completing the graphic organizer below.

hydrosphe freshwat
er
2.
3. 4.
EARTH cr
SPHERE ust
micro
6. bes 7.

atmosphe
8.
stratosphe

Let’s Apply
 Choose one among the four spheres of the Earth. Reflect on how you can conserve and protect this
sphere that you chose. Post your reflection on the class Facebook page. Then choose a post from one
of your classmates and comment why you agree or disagree with his or her post. NOTE: shaming and
bad comments are not allowed.

10. thermosphere

Let’s Evaluate

POST TEST: Find out how much you have learned in this module. Choose the letter of the correct
answer. Write your answers on your Science journal.
1. Which of the following shows the correct analogy of the Earth’s spheres?
a. ATMOSPHERE : thin-gaseous envelope / BIOSPHERE : living organisms
b. BIOSPHERE : living organisms/GEOSPHERE: crust & solid upper mantle
c. GEOSPHERE: earth’s interior / HYDROSPHERE: thin-gaseous envelope
d. HYDROSPHERE: saltwater / ATMOSPHERE: microbes and animals
2. According to scientists, Earth is the only planet that we know that can sustain life. Which of the
following characteristics supports this claim?
a. it does not recycle matter c. it has water in liquid form
b. it has high extinction rates d. it does not allow transfer of energy
3. The different layers of the Earth have different compositions. Which of the following layers is
not under enough pressure to be solid?
a. inner core b. outer core c. lower mantle d. upper mantle
4. Scientists said that the early Earth is very inhospitable and cannot sustain life. Which of the
following statements describe the early Earth?
a. It is made up of seven continents.
b. It consists of different layers and interacting subsystems.
c. It is a closed system because there is limit how much matter is exchanged.
d. It is characterized by frequent volcanic eruptions and meteorite bombardment.
5. The Earth’s atmosphere is composed of gaseous compounds that provide air that people
breathe and trap the outgoing infrared radiation to keep Earth warm. Which of the following
gases is a raw material for photosynthesis?
a. carbon dioxide b. nitrogen c. oxygen d. water vapor
6. The Blue Marble is an image of Earth taken on December 7, 1972 by the crew of Apollo 17
spacecraft on its way to the moon. Which of the following Earth spheres represent the blue
color?
a. atmosphere b. biosphere c. geosphere d. hydrosphere
7. Earth has liquid water due to its ideal position in the solar system. Why did the scientists refer
to it as the Goldilocks zone?
a. Earth’s water is composed of 97% saltwater.
b. Earth’s moon stabilizes the Earth’s magnetic field.
c. Earth’s location allows runaway greenhouse effect.
d. Earth’s temperature is just right – not too hot, not too cold.
8. Earth’s biogeochemical cycles enable flow of matter across its four spheres. Which of the
following cycles helps stabilize the ozone layer?
a. carbon cycle b. nitrogen cycle c. oxygen cycle d. water cycle
9. Which sphere of the Earth includes the part that has been modified by humans through
technology and industrialization?
a. anthroposphere b. atmosphere c. biosphere d. lithosphere
10. It is believed that the lithosphere contains tectonic plates that move due to the convection
current in the asthenosphere. Which of the following spheres contain the tectonic plates?
a. atmosphere b. biosphere c. geosphere d. hydrosphere
11. Which of the following layers of the atmosphere contains the very important ozone layer that
shields us from the harmful solar ultraviolet radiation?
a. mesosphere b. stratosphere c. thermosphere d. troposphere
12. Which of the following processes created the different layers of the Earth?
a. accretion c. differentiation
 b. collision d. gravitation
13. Which of the following is the only layer of the Earth visible to us?
a. core b. crust c. mantle d. plates
 14. Which of the following Earth spheres or subsystems is considered the “zone of life”?
a. atmosphere b. biosphere c. geosphere d. hydrosphere
15.Which of the following Earth layers provides the mechanical driving force for
plate tectonics?
a. core b. crust c. mantle d. plates

Let’s Extend

Watch the video “MAN vs EARTH” by Prince Ea on YouTube. Reflect and

post your thoughts on the class Facebook page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrzbRZn5Ed4
References

Books
Sia, Shila Rose D. and L.S. Cortez. Science in Today’s World for Senior High
School: Earth and Life Science. Quezon City: Sibs Publishing House, 2016
Vengco, Lilia G. and T. F. Religioso. You and the Natural World: Earth and Life Science.
Quezon City: Phoenix Publishing House, 2016
Website
Astronomy Online .org .Solar System retrieved from
http://astronomyonline.org/SolarSystem/SolarSystemFormation.asp Clara Moskowitz. “What Makes Earth Special
Compared to Other Planets?” Space.com July 8,2008 retrieved from https://www.space.com/5595-earth-special-
compared-planets.html.
Maertens Annemie. The Guide to the Universe Astronomy Dictionary 1998-2005 last accessed July 2,2020
http://users.skynet.be/sky03361/dictionary/dictionary.html#anchorc.
McDougal Little “How Are Earth's Spheres Interacting?” Exploring the Earth. Retrived from
https://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/investigations/es0103/es0103page06.cfm?
chapter_no=investigation.
How did the Earth Get Here?retrived from
http://homework.uoregon.edu/pub/class/121/formation.html. Solar Systeme Exploration .NASA
Science retrived from https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/earth/in
depth/#:~:text=Formation,mantle%20and%20a%20solid%20crust.