Earth's atmosphere (approximate values)
I can describe the composition of Earth's atmosphere.
Earth's atmosphere (approximate values)
I can describe the composition of Earth's atmosphere.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The atmosphere comprises ~80% nitrogen and ~20% oxygen.
- The atmosphere contains small proportions of various other gases, including CO₂, water vapour and noble gases.
- The atmosphere thins out with height which makes it harder for humans to breathe sufficient oxygen at high altitude.
- The atmosphere contains water, mainly in its gas state but in its liquid (or solid) state in clouds and precipitation.
- The atmosphere also contains a wide range of solid particulates.
Keywords
Atmosphere - The atmosphere is a layer of gas that surrounds a planet. It may contain small amounts of solid and liquid particles.
Composition - Composition is the substances and their proportions that make something up.
Precipitation - Water in a liquid or solid state that falls towards Earth is called precipitation.
Altitude - The distance above sea level is known as altitude.
Particulates - Particulates are very small particles of solids and liquids that are suspended in air.
Common misconception
The atmosphere is mostly oxygen. The same atmospheric conditions exist at all heights.
Explain that the atmosphere is ~80% nitrogen and ~20% oxygen. Discuss how atmospheric conditions vary with altitude, affecting oxygen availability.
To help you plan your year 11 combined science lesson on: Earth's atmosphere (approximate values), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 combined science lesson on: Earth's atmosphere (approximate values), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Atmosphere and changing climate unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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