ABADA COLLEGE

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DATE: ________________

NAME: ____________________________________ STRAND: ______________

EARTH and LIFE SCIENCE

SELF LEARNING MODULE

Earth-terrific! Systematic!
Quarter 1 Week 2 Module 2
Learning Competency: Explain that the Earth consists of four subsystems,
across whose boundaries matter and energy flow. (S11/12ES-Ia-e-4)

“Communication is the most important skill any leader can possess.”—Richard Branson.

HOW TO USE THIS MODULE

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 Before starting the module, I want you to set aside other tasks that will disturb you
while enjoying the lessons. Read the simple instructions below to successfully enjoy the
objectives of this kit. Have fun!

1. Follow carefully all the contents and instructions indicated in every

page of this module.

2. Write on your notebook the concepts about the lessons. Writing

enhances learning that is important to develop and keep in mind.
3. Perform all the provided activities in the module.
4. Let your facilitator/guardian assess your answers using the answer key
card.
5. Analyse conceptually the post-test and apply what you have learned.
6. Enjoy studying!

PARTS OF THE MODULE

• Expectations - These are what you will be able to know after completing
the lessons in the module.
• Pre-test - This will measure your prior knowledge and the concepts to be
Mastered throughout the lesson.

Brief Introduction - This section will give you an overview of the lesson.
• Activities - This is a set of activities you will perform with a partner.
Check your Understanding - It will verify how you learned from the lesson.

Post-test - This will measure how much you have learned from the entire module.

References: Fundamentals of Earth Science

Earth and Life Science (Diwa Series)
Teaching Guide (PEAC)

NOTE: Use another sheet of paper for your answer

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LESSON 1: EARTH SYSTEM

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EXPECTATIONS
You will have to explain that the Earth consists of four subsystems, across whose boundaries matter and
energy flow.

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

• define the concept of a system,

• recognize the Earth as a system composed of subsystems,

• identify the visible features of the different Earth systems, and

• describe how the matter and energy flow across the Earth systems.

Let us start your journey in learning more about our home planet - Earth. I am sure you are ready and excited to answer the
Pretest. Smile and cheer up!

PRETEST

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. If the answer is not found on the choices, write letter E and identify
the correct answer.

________1. Which of the following is the best description of the hydrosphere?

A. It is only composed of liquid water on earth.

B. It is only composed of surface water on earth.
C. It is the mixture of gases that surround the earth.
D. It is composed of the waters on earth including subsurface.

________2. Which biophysical component of earth is composed of all the living

organisms on earth, including those in land, water, and air?

A. biosphere C. atmosphere B. geosphere D. hydrosphere

________3. Earth’s crust is mostly composed of what elements?

A. iron and silicon C. oxygen and silicon

B. iron and nickel D. copper and nickel

________4. On which part of the Earth atmosphere does meteors usually burn up?

A. troposphere C. mesosphere

B. stratosphere D. thermosphere

________5. What is the Earth’s core made up of?

A. Rocks and salt C. Oxygen and Silicon

B. Rocks and Metals D. None of the above
________6. Which layer of the Earth produces magnetic field?

A. inner core C. oxygen and silicon

B. outer core D. none of the above

________7. Which of the following is NOT a component of the geosphere?

A. valleys c. volcanoes

B. glaciers d. mountains

_______8. Which of the following is NOT a component of the troposphere?

A. It is above the mesosphere

B. It extends up to 50 kilometers high
C. It is the region where ozone layer is found
D. It is the densest layer where almost all of weather types occur.
_______9. Which of the following is NOT a correct analogy about the Earth Systems?

A. Atmosphere : air c. biosphere: human

B. Geosphere: land d. hydrosphere: water
______10. What is the lithosphere composed of?

A. It is composed of the mantle only.

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B. It is composed of the crust and upper mantle.

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 C. It is composed of the lower mantle and outer core.

C. It is composed of the continental and oceanic crust

Great! You finished answering the questions. You may request your facilitator to check your work. Congratulations and keep
on learning!

LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON

Our last lesson focused on the uniqueness of Earth being the only known planet in the Solar System that can support life.
Let’s take quick review of the lesson.

Directions: Put a check mark (/) on the properties that make Earth a habitable planet and a cross mark (X) if not.

Properties (/) or (X)

1. Presence of liquid water
2. Presence of ozone layer in atmosphere
3. Atmosphere made up of methane gas
4. Presence of magnetic field
5. Average temperature of 80°C

BRIEF INTRODUCTION
“We are all connected. To each other, biologically.

To the earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe atomically.”

The quote above is said by Neil De Grasse Tyson, an American astrophysicist. Do you agree with him? Why do
you think he said that we are all connected?

A certain group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent parts that work together to form a complex whole is
called a system. The scientists around the world try to study our planet through the smaller systems it have and fit them
together to form a whole picture which is known as the Earth System Science.

Specifically, Earth System is commonly referred as the spheres which are divided into four: geosphere,
hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. These four spheres regulate the different functions of Earth which makes it
habitable which is similar on how a human body system works. All human body systems work together to maintain a
well-functioning and healthy body. On Earth, each of the four spheres or systems must keep itself in balance. A change in
one system will affect other systems.

ACTIVITIES

Activity 1.1: Earth Systems Picture Analysis

Optional Materials Needed:

• World Map, Google Earth (if internet connection is available)

Procedures:

1. List down at least three features on each system, an example per system is given as your guide:
System Key Word System Features
atmosphere air (Ex: clouds)

biosphere life (Ex: trees)

geosphere land (Ex: mountain)

hydrosphere water (Ex: ocean)

2. Observe the following astronaut photographs. You can also use a world map or open Google Earth application to
observe the following:
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 3. On the first column, write down at least 3 visible features of each astronaut photographs, associated earth system
and observations. Meanwhile, on the second column, write down your miscellaneous observations and/or you can sketch
a feature you observed from the image.

4. Answer the following:

1) What are the proofs that life forms are existing in the pictures?

Visible Features, Earth Miscellaneous Observations

Systems and Observations and/or Sketch of the Feature
Astronaut Photograph #1
Feature: _______________________
Earth System: _________________

Observations: __________________

Astronaut Photograph #2
Feature: _______________________
Earth System: _________________
Observations: __________________

Astronaut Photograph #3
Feature: _______________________
Earth System: _________________
Observations: __________________

Astronaut Photograph #4
Feature: _______________________
Earth System: _________________

Observations: __________________

2) How feature/system does affects the others?

3) How are the Earth spheres shown in the picture interconnected?

Activity 1.2: Connections within the Earth Systems

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 Earth system is essentially a closed system where it receives energy from the sun and returns some of
this energy to space. In contrast, the four spheres of Earth (geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and
atmosphere) are considered open systems where both matter and energy can flow across the
boundaries. These systems are all interconnected as shown in the diagram.
https://www.earthonlinemedia.com

Directions: Try to analyze the diagram on the left which shows the interconnected interactions within
the different Earth systems or spheres. Write the corresponding number that matches to the
interconnection of two respective Earth spheres.

For example, connection no. 1 shows how

atmosphere is related to the biosphere. One
explanation is that the atmospheric chemistry
and temperature (atmosphere) affect organisms
(biosphere). Letter A is done for you.

Explanation
1 ) Atmospheric chemistry and temperature affect organisms
2 ) Weathering and erosion controls nutrient supply to life in the oceans
3 ) Atmospheric temperature affects evaporation
4 ) Locations of continents controls circulation pattern of oceans
5 ) Plants aid weathering (physical and chemical) of rocks
6 ) Atmospheric chemistry and temperature affect weathering of rocks
7 ) Plants control water transfer from soil to atmosphere
8 ) Volcanic eruptions add carbon dioxide and aerosols to atmosphere
9 ) Photosynthesis affects atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration
_______10 ) Soil water limits plant growth
______ 11 ) Ocean circulation controls how much CO2 is removed from atmosphere
12 ) Rainfall and runoff erode the land surface

Here’s the key concepts that you must remember on each Earth subsystem.
 Biosphere: This sphere is associated with living systems such as biomes or ecosystems. This
includes life on land, in the oceans and rivers, and even life that we cannot see with the
naked eye.
 Features: coastal biomes, forests, desert, grasslands, and other ecosystems.
O Processes: photosynthesis, biogeochemical cycles (carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle...)
1. Hydrosphere: This sphere is associated with water in solid (ice) and liquid states. It composed of
all waters on the surface (oceans, rivers, and lakes) and also the water underground (in wells and
aquifers) and may also include moisture in air (visible as clouds and fogs).
O Features: oceans, icebergs, lakes, rivers, glaciers, snow, and so on.
O Processes: hydrologic cycle (condensation, evaporation...), ocean circulation
4. Atmosphere: This sphere relates to meteorological features and phenomena such as weather,
clouds, or aerosols (particles in the air). It includes an ever‐changing mixture of gas and small
particles located above and surrounding the Earth’s surface.
O Features: clouds, weather, aurora, air pollution/aerosols, dust, and so on.
O Processes: atmospheric circulation o Layers of the
Atmosphere.
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Layer Major Features

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 Troposphere Densest part. Almost all weather types are in this region.
Location of ozone layer which absorbs and scatters the
Stratosphere
Solar ultraviolet radiation.
Region where meteors usually burn up and become
Mesosphere
“shooting stars”
Ionosphere It is where radio communications possible.
Thermosphere It is the area of aurora and satellites.
Exosphere Upper limit of the atmosphere separating Earth and space.

4. Geosphere: This sphere is associated with solid portions of the Earth. It includes
rocks, sediments, soils, and surface landforms. It is predominantly classified as the
lithosphere: the upper mantle and crust.
O The associated features of the geosphere based on types are:
a. Fluvial & Alluvial processes: deltas, river channels, canyons, alluvial fans
b. Aeolian processes: sand dunes, yardages, wind streaks
c. Tectonic Processes: folds, faults, mountains
d. Volcanic Processes: volcanoes, central vents, volcanic deposits
e. Impact Processes: impact craters
f. Other Processes: mass wasting processes, erosional processes

A. Processes: weathering, erosion, mantle convection, volcanic eruption, and so on. o Earth’s
Interior Layers:
Crust – upper portion composed of 2 types: Oceanic crust (underlies the ocean basin)
and Continental crust (underlies the continents) which is most abundant composition
is oxygen and silicon.
Mantle – solid rock layer between crust and crust.
Core – it is an iron-rich sphere divided into 2 parts: outer core (liquid iron-nickel-
sulfur, generates magnetic field) and inner core (solid iron-nickel alloy)

II. Explain Me

Explain the statement: “Earth consists of four subsystems, across whose boundaries matter and
energy flow.” Elaborate your explanation with concepts and examples.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________

III. What If?

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 Directions: Create your own illustration on how the four spheres
interact with each other. Choose one process that may happen in
any of the spheres then try to describe how it will affect the other
systems. Use the rubric as your guide in making your illustration.
This activity requires you to think critically and apply what you
have learned from this module. You can also be as creative as you
can in making the illustrations. It’s time to show what you have
learned and your talent!

For example, “What if a volcanic eruption (a process in the geosphere) happens?” How it will affect the
atmosphere? biosphere? hydrosphere

Rubrics for grading your illustration:

Criteria Score Scoring Guide

o Showed the proper

interconnection within the four
spheres. o 4 pts – Exceeds Expectation

o Clearly described the different

components of the Earth System. o 3 pts – Meets Expectation

o Explained well how a process in o 2 pts – Needs Improvement

one system affects the other.
o Organization of concepts o 1 pt – Not Visible
o Creative illustration.
Total Score

Activity 1.3: Think Beyond the Pages

Answer the following thought provoking questions pertinent to the lesson. You may want to do online research using your smartphone (if internet connection is available), if not you may use some books for this purpose.

1. What is the key role of energy in the interaction of the four subsystems of the Earth?
2. Cite one specific event in history that shows how the manmade activities affected or
contributed to the planet.

Activity 1.4: Summarizing the Concepts

Given below are the four subsystems of Earth. Explain how each subsystem affect the flow of
matter and energy on Earth.

A. Geosphere
B. Atmosphere
C. Hydrosphere
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D. Biosphere
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CHECKING YOUR UNDERSTANDING
I. Matching A-B-C

Directions: Match Column A (Description) with Column B (Earth’s Sphere) then match Column B with
Column C (Process that happens in a specific Earth sphere) through drawing a line between them.

Column A Column B Column C

It is a thin gaseous layer composed of • • biosphere • • atmospheric
78% N, 21% O, 0.9% Ar and other circulation
trace gases

It is the set of all life forms on Earth • • atmosphere • • photosynthesis

which covers all ecosystems.

It is the solid portions of Earth • • hydrosphere • • erosion,

including the crust, mantle and core. weathering

It is the combined mass of water found • • geosphere • • evaporation,

on, under, and above the surface. transpiration

POSTTEST

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. If the answer is not found on the choices, write
letter E and identify the correct answer.

______ 1. Which of the following is the best description of the hydrosphere?

A. It is composed of the waters on earth including subsurface.
B. It is the mixture of gases that surround the earth.
C. It is only composed of surface water on earth.
D. It is only composed of liquid water on earth.
______ 2. Which biophysical component of earth is composed of all the living organisms on earth,
including those in land, water, and air?
A. biosphere C. atmosphere
B. geosphere D. hydrosphere
______ 3. On which part of the atmosphere is the area of aurora and satellites?

A. troposphere C. mesosphere
B. stratosphere D. thermosphere
______ 4. What does the Earth’s inner core made up of?

A. liquid Fe-Ni-S C. rocks and metals

B. solid Fe-Ni alloy D. oxygen and silicon
______ 5. Which layer produces the Earth’s magnetic field?
A. inner core C. oxygen and silicon
B. outer core D. none of the above
______ 6. Which of the following is NOT a process in the geosphere?

A. photosynthesis C. erosion
B. mass movement D. weathering
______ 7. Which of the following best describes the troposphere?
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a. It is above the mesosphere.

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b. It extends up to 50 kilometers high.

c. It is the region where ozone layer is found.

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 d. It is the densest layer where almost all of weather types occur.
______ 8. Which of the following is NOT a correct analogy about the Earth Systems?
a. biosphere: weathering
b. geosphere: volcanic eruptions
c. hydrosphere: ocean circulation
d. atmosphere: atmospheric circulation

______ 9. Which of the following is TRUE about the Earth Systems?

a. It is essentially a closed system.
b. It is essentially an open system.
c. It is composed of three interconnected systems.
d. It does not allow matter and energy to move across other systems.

______ 10. What can you infer from the illustration below about the four spheres of Earth?
A. The processes in the Earth’s sphere are unidirectional
processes.

B. The atmosphere regulates all the processes on the

other spheres.

C. The four spheres of Earth are interconnected and

interrelated.

D. This cannot be answered since the information is

Incomplete

REFLECTIVE LEARNING SHEET

Name: ____________________________________________ Grade & Section: ____________

Earth-terrific! Systematic!
REFLECTIVE LEARNING SHEET No. 2

Directions: Write a reflective learning about what you have learned about the Earth Systems by
answering the questions inside the box. You may express your answers in a more critical
and creative presentation of your great learning. Have fun and enjoy!

What good
characteristics have
I developed from
this lesson?
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