10th Grade Layers Of The Atmosphere Lesson Plan Example (Environmental)

Topic: Layers of the Atmosphere

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to describe the different layers of the atmosphere and their functions.
• Students will be able to identify and describe space related risks and how the layers of the atmosphere protect the Earth from these risks.

Materials

• Diagram of the layers of the atmosphere
• Space related risk examples (e.g. asteroids, satellites breaking down and falling to Earth, solar storms)
• Pen and paper for each student

Warm-Up

• Have students draw a diagram of the layers of the atmosphere on their paper, naming each layer as they go.
• After all students have finished, ask them to share their diagrams with the class and answer any questions about the layers of the atmosphere that may arise.

Direct Instruction

• Begin by showing the diagram of the layers of the atmosphere to the class and explaining its purpose in protecting the Earth from space related risks.
• Next, use the handouts to present information about each individual layer of the atmosphere, starting with the exosphere and ending with the troposphere.
• As you go through each layer, discuss the characteristics that make it unique and how it protects the Earth from space related risks.
• Use examples and visual aids (such as pictures or models) to help drive home the points you are making.

Guided Practice

• Provide the students with a worksheet or set of questions to complete that focuses on the information about the layers of the atmosphere discussed in the direct instruction portion of the lesson.
• This could take the form of a quiz or a set of short answer questions that require the students to recall and apply the knowledge they have gained about the layers of the atmosphere.
• Using the worksheets or questions as a guide, lead a class discussion to go over the answers and provide further clarification as needed.

Independent Practice

• Provide the students with a project-based independent practice activity that allows them to apply the knowledge they have gained about the layers of the atmosphere.
• This could be a visual representation, such as a diagram of the layers of the atmosphere or a volume model of Earth's atmosphere; a written explanation of the layers and their functions; a model of Earth's atmosphere using a balloon, plastic bag, and clay; or a presentation on the different layers of the atmosphere and the risks they protect against.
• Encourage the students to be creative and innovative in their independent practice activity.

Closure

• Review the key points of the lesson, including the definition of each layer of the atmosphere and its function.
• Ask the students to share what they found most interesting or surprising about the layers of the atmosphere.

Assessment

• Use the students' presentations or reports as a form of assessment, evaluating their understanding of the layers of the atmosphere and their functions.
• Alternatively, hold a quiz or a written test to assess the students' knowledge of the topic.