The atmosphere is a layer of gas that surrounds a planet. It may contain small amounts of solid and liquid particles.

Composition is the substances and their proportions that make something up.

Water in a liquid or solid state that falls towards Earth is called precipitation.

The distance above sea level is known as altitude.

Particulates are very small particles of solids and liquids that are suspended in air.

Earth's atmosphere (approximate values)

Combined science

Evolution of Earth's atmosphere

Burning hydrocarbons

Atmospheric pollutants

Acid rain and chemical weathering

Greenhouse gases

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Global climate change and the effects

Human activity and climate change

Ozone layer: a story of global success

In the Industrial chemistry unit, pupils will learn about chemical, industrial, environmental and economic factors of some large-scale chemical processes.

In the Carbon Cycle and Climate Change unit, pupils learned about the carbon cycle, the formation of sedimentary rocks, and the impact of burning fossil fuels.

This unit explores the composition and evolution of Earth’s atmosphere, evidence of climate change, and effects of pollutants like sulphur dioxide. It highlights scientific explanations, ethical considerations, risk evaluation, and the role of peer review in communication.

Atmosphere and changing climate

What is the approximate percentage of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere?

Which is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere?

What molecule does the atmosphere contain as a vapour, as well as in the liquid and solid states? 

the air pressure increases at high altitudes

there are less oxygen molecules per volume of air at high altitudes

Why is it difficult for humans to breathe sufficient oxygen at high altitudes?

What is the name for very small particles of solids and liquids that are suspended in air?

the percentage composition of gases is the same

At high altitudes such as the top of Everest, how does the composition of the atmosphere compare to at sea level?

Which of the following will you find in the Earth's atmosphere?

What percentage of the Earth's atmosphere is carbon dioxide?

Which word is used to describe a substance that contains two or more different substances which are not chemically combined?

Which word is used to describe the mass per unit volume?

the space that exists between Earth and the Sun.

all the living organisms within an ecosystem.

Which gas in our atmosphere is essential for life on Earth?

Earth's atmosphere (approximate values)

Lesson outcome