STEM 11 EARTH SCIENCE MODULE 1

Summary

In this engaging Earth science lesson for Grade 11 students, Teacher Celine Carmela Gunno takes learners on an exciting journey through the planet’s subsystems, minerals, rocks, and mining processes. The lesson explores Earth’s unique characteristics, such as its atmosphere, temperature, energy, and nutrients, which make it habitable. Students also delve into the different types of rocks—igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic—and the rock cycle. Additionally, they learn about the mining processes that extract valuable minerals from ores. With interactive activities and clear explanations, this lesson offers valuable insights into the Earth's geology and its importance to human society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Earth is the only known planet capable of supporting life due to its unique characteristics such as distance from the Sun, atmosphere, and magnetic field.
• 🌍 The Earth’s four subsystems (hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere) work together to create a habitable environment.
• 🌡️ Temperature plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth, with too low or too high temperatures being detrimental to life.
• 🌬️ Earth's atmosphere protects the planet from harmful solar radiation and helps maintain stable temperatures for life.
• 🔋 Energy is essential for life; Earth receives energy from the Sun, which drives the processes needed for life to thrive.
• 🍽️ Nutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins, are necessary for the growth and survival of organisms on Earth.
• 🌐 The Earth’s atmosphere contains essential gases like oxygen and nitrogen, and its thickness helps regulate the temperature of the planet.
• 🌍 The rock cycle involves the transformation of rocks between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic types through processes like cooling, weathering, and heat/pressure.
• ⛏️ Mining is a multi-step process, from prospecting and exploration to ore extraction and site decommissioning, essential for obtaining valuable minerals.
• 💎 Minerals and rocks are crucial to society, being used in everything from construction and infrastructure to jewelry and tourism.

Q & A

What are the four factors that make a planet habitable?

The four factors that make a planet habitable are: temperature, atmosphere, energy, and nutrients.

Why is temperature an important factor for habitability on Earth?

Temperature is important because it affects the speed of chemical reactions necessary for life. Extremely low or high temperatures can freeze water or destroy life-sustaining molecules like proteins and DNA.

How does Earth's atmosphere support life?

Earth's atmosphere protects life by shielding it from harmful ultraviolet radiation and regulating temperature. It also provides essential gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide for life processes.

What role does energy play in making Earth habitable?

Energy is crucial for life processes. Without adequate energy, organisms cannot survive. Too little energy can cause organisms to die, while too much energy can create harmful conditions.

What is the difference between the geosphere and the biosphere?

The geosphere refers to the solid, non-living parts of the Earth, including its layers like the crust, mantle, and core. The biosphere, on the other hand, includes all living organisms on Earth.

Can you explain how the hydrosphere contributes to Earth's habitability?

The hydrosphere includes all of Earth's water sources, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. Water is essential for life, supports various ecosystems, and plays a key role in processes like the water cycle.

What are the three main types of rocks, and how are they formed?

The three main types of rocks are igneous (formed from cooled magma or lava), sedimentary (formed from layers of deposited sediments), and metamorphic (formed when existing rocks are changed by heat and pressure).

How does the rock cycle work?

The rock cycle describes the transformation of rocks from one type to another. For example, igneous rocks can weather and form sediments, which, through compression, become sedimentary rocks. These can then undergo heat and pressure to form metamorphic rocks.

What are some examples of minerals that are important to society?

Examples of minerals important to society include gold, iron, copper, and coal, which are essential for various industrial processes and everyday applications like construction, electronics, and energy production.

What is the mining process for ores, and what are the main steps involved?

The mining process includes several steps: prospecting and exploration, drilling, modeling, ore extraction, milling (crushing and concentrating the ore), and mine site decommissioning. Environmental and social impacts are considered throughout the process.