Chapter 15.1
Discover Earth's Atmosphere: Air Properties, Composition, and Layers
You will explore the gases that make up air, the properties of the atmosphere, and the five distinct layers that protect and sustain life on Earth.
What You'll Learn
You will learn air is mostly nitrogen and oxygen gases.
You will discover five atmospheric layers with unique temperature properties.
You will understand air pressure decreases as your altitude increases.
You will explore how the ozone layer protects you from radiation.
What You'll Practice
1
You will identify gases and their percentages in Earth's atmosphere.
2
You will explain temperature changes across each atmospheric layer you study.
3
You will analyze why air pressure decreases as your altitude increases.
Why This Matters
Understanding Earth's atmosphere helps you explain the air you breathe, the weather you experience, and the environmental challenges your generation will need to solve.
This Unit Includes
Practice exercises
Learning resources
Skills
Atmosphere
Air Composition
Ozone Layer
Air Pressure
Atmospheric Layers
