ENGAGE
Our atmosphere is a complex cocktail of molecular and atomic gases from Nitrogen to Neon, though in vastly differing concentrations. And because of their differing weights, temperatures and associated densities, these gases array themselves in stratified layers not too unlike the layers in the ocean we discussed earlier.
After all, the ocean and the atmosphere are both fluid in their behavior, and are therefore able to easily move and sort themselves by density differences. However, the atmosphere has some peculiarities in pressure and temperature that are not at all like the ocean.
EXPLORE
Teachers'DomainExplore these two TD interactive resources, Vertical Structure of the Atmosphere and Compare and Contrast Warm and Cold Air Front .
Helpful Hint: While you're at it, click on the State Standards associated with these resources. It's all right there in TD. And its so easy to use.
Vertical Structure of the AtmosphereCompare and Contrast Warm and Cold Air Fronts
EXPLORE SOME MORE...
National Geographic
Besides, surfing the ocean and surfing the web, did you know we can also surf the atmosphere. This YouTube - hosted National Geographic video narrated by Dr. Iain Stewart is a fun and engaging way to Reveal Earth's Atmosphere.
Reveal Earth's AtmosphereCheck out National Geographic for other more Dr. Iain Stewart and other great cultural and geoscience resources.
EXPLAIN
- Why are the four major layers of the atmosphere separated as they are?
- What causes the increased temperature in the stratosphere?
- Can planes fly in the mesosphere? Why or why not?
- On what does the temperature in the thermosphere depend?
Helpful Hint: These four questions came right from the Teachers' Domain interactive resources linked to, Vertical Structure of the Atmosphere. Can you find them?
EXTEND
- What resources or ideas do you have to help students visualize their invisible atmosphere?
EVALUATE
- What are the practical values of Teachers' Domain and National Geographic digital resources for your professional purposes?
