Understand Earth's biosphere which contains the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Six-part interdisciplinary teaching packet. Through the story of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, learners will answer fundamental questions about volcanoes. By learning about volcanoes, students will understand that the Earth...

A discussion of the interactions between the four spheres of Earth and how they affect weather and climate. The slideshow is divided into two parts. The first deals with interactions between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere and the...

This site provides information and activities for classes to learn more about ozone depletion and UV radiation.

Energy is neither created nor destroyed - and yet the global demand for it continues to increase. But where does energy come from, and where does it go? This video examines the many ways in which energy cycles through our planet, from...

Human beings have an enormous impact on the natural environment, and ultimately on each other. The way we chose to house, clothe, shelter, and meet the needs for vital resources such as food, energy, and water, not only affect the...

Everything in Earth's system can be placed into one of four major subsystems: land, water, living things, or air. These four subsystems are called "spheres." Specifically, they are the "lithosphere" (land), "hydrosphere" (water),...

Explains what the four spheres of the Earth are, and the interactions between them.

Students learn to identify the parts of the Earth system and the processes that connect them. They look for interconnections among components of the Earth system at the local level, using a study site close to their school.

Explains what the four spheres of the Earth are and describes how volcanic eruptions affect the different spheres. Also provides a list of events that are examples of interactions.

This site provides a comprehensive introduction to the water cycle. High schoolers construct a model to simulate parts of the water cycle. Includes background information, links to standards, lesson plans, and assessment ideas.

A detailed overview of the Earth's climate, with explanations about the difference between weather and climate, dendrochronology, palynology, and how Earth's climate has changed over time. All information is reinforced through pictures,...

Get a general grasp on the four spheres, five sub-fields, and two scales of physical geography.