What is the Atmosphere?

✅ The atmosphere is the layer of gases that surrounds Earth, protecting us and providing the air we breathe.

✅ The main components of air are nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and small amounts of other gases like argon, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.

Supplies Needed:

• A small glass jar
• A balloon
• A rubber band
• A drinking straw
• Tape
• A piece of paper and a pen

Steps:

• Step 1: Cut the balloon in half and stretch the top part over the mouth of the jar, securing it with the rubber band.
• Step 2: Tape the drinking straw horizontally across the top of the balloon so that one end of the straw extends out over the edge of the jar.
• Step 3: Place the paper behind the jar and mark the current position of the straw on the paper.
• Step 4: Observe the straw over several days and note any changes in its position. When air pressure increases, the balloon will be pushed down, and the straw will move up. When air pressure decreases, the balloon will expand, and the straw will move down.

Observations:

• Watch how the position of the straw changes with different air pressures.
• Notice how high and low pressure affect the straw's movement.
• Think about how these changes relate to weather patterns.

✅ The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun, keeping Earth warm.

✅ Nitrogen, which makes up 78% of the air.

✅ Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, or exosphere.

✅ Conservation is important to protect the atmosphere from pollution and reduce climate change.

• The atmosphere extends up to about 10,000 kilometers above the Earth, but most of it is within 16 kilometers of the surface.
• The ozone layer, which protects us from UV radiation, is located in the stratosphere.
• The sky appears blue because molecules in the air scatter blue light from the sun more than they scatter red light.
• Auroras, also known as the Northern and Southern Lights, occur in the thermosphere. The exosphere is where many satellites orbit the Earth.

The layers of the atmosphere are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.

The atmosphere is important because it protects us from the sun's harmful rays, keeps the planet warm, and provides the oxygen we need to live.

The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun, keeping Earth warm.

Climate change can increase greenhouse gases, which trap more heat and lead to global warming.

Smoke from factories, vehicle emissions, and wildfires are examples of air pollution.

Nitrogen, which makes up 78% of the air.

Sustainability means using resources wisely so they last for future generations.

The ozone layer is a part of the stratosphere that protects us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Natural resources are materials from the Earth, like air, water, and food, that living things need to survive.

We can reduce air pollution by using cleaner energy sources, driving less, and planting trees.