Instructional module focusing on Earth's atmosphere. Discussion includes major components, layers, air pressure, and scientific monitoring of the atmosphere. Site also includes an interactive practice quiz and links relating to the topic.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Looks at how atmospheric circulation cells affect the climate of regions.

Get the big-picture overview of the importance of Earth's atmosphere and the reactions that happen within it.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This study guide summarizes key points about global efforts to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Includes a few questions to check for understanding.

An explanation of the different parts of the atmosphere and how pressure and temperature changes at different altitudes.

For this activity, students gather information about atmospheric scientific field projects in order to understand how a research question about the Earth system can be answered by collecting data using many different research platforms...

As Bob Dylan once sang, you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows, but you do need one to tell you why it's blowing. Science Buddies provides a career profile for a meteorologist and what the career entails. Find out...

A webpage reviewing the origin of the Earth. Learn what Earth was like during its first billion years with an atmosphere that contained no oxygen. Understand that oxygen levels built up once green plants became more abundant. At the end...

An explanation of how temperature is affected by the composition of the atmosphere and how energy flows in and out of Earth's atmosphere.

The Sun is the ultimate source of the energy that powers weather systems on Earth. Geomagnetic storms are sun-powered storms in the upper atmosphere, arising from energized particles that are periodically ejected by the Sun. Among other...

A detailed overview of global climate change, with explanations of Earth's climate change, the carbon cycle, ecosystems, and greenhouse gases, and how the movements of matter and energy impact on climate. All information is reinforced...

This is the first lesson in a series of learning modules on the topic of climate change. It explores Earth's unique climate and atmosphere, regional climate differences, and temporal climate differences. Includes comprehension questions...

Systems thinking is an important concept across the Earth sciences. In this game, students either are a part of a system or serve as scientists tasked with observing and making sense of the system moving in front of them.

This site from NASA lists common and uncommon misconceptions about Sun-Earth Science. Site also provides links to activities and lesson plans as well as background reading.

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

The buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is rising faster than at any time since dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The burning of fossil fuels is largely to blame.

Describes each of the five layers of the atmosphere from the troposphere, which is closest to the Earth, up to the outermost one, the exosphere.

Students use the Internet, books, and articles to research the Earth and its changes (tides, seasons, atmosphere, etc.), develop a "class exhibit about the Earth" and "a survey that includes five questions that will measure what the...

This site from the University of Oregon provides a great explanation of the Coriolis Effect and then gives several chart type examples to help the understanding of it.

This is the third lesson in a series of learning modules on the topic of climate change. It takes a look at how greenhouse gases cause warming and affect Earth's climate. Includes comprehension questions and interactive tools for...

An inquiry-based science unit for middle school students centered on weather and climate. The lessons integrate technology and lab activities while teaching about Earth system energy balance, greenhouse gases, paleoclimatology, and how...

The aim of this article is to relate the history of oxygen in the atmosphere to the evolution of photosynthesis, aerobic respiration, mitochondria, and life on earth.

A detailed overview of the greenhouse effect, with explanations about Earth's atmosphere gases referred to as greenhouse gases, and the factors that influence the heat-trapping ability of a greenhouse. All information is reinforced...

This site explains wind systems as part of a global weather scheme, with illustrations.