Big Ideas of Earth Space Science
1. The hydrosphere contains all of the water on Earth.
2. The Earth is part of the solar system, which is part of
the Milky Way Galaxy, which is part of the Universe.
3. Stars have life cycles.
4. The Earth is composed of a number of dynamic
interacting systems which exchange matter and/or
energy.
5. Earth’s interior has structure.
6. Earth’s surface features and atmosphere are a dynamic
system operating over different time periods.

Different Perspectives

A system is a collection of interdependent parts
enclosed within a defined boundary.

Geosphere
• The lithosphere, which contains all the cold, hard, solid rock
of the planet’s crust (surface).
• Includes the hot semi-solid rock that lies underneath the
crust, the hot rock near the center of the planet, and the solid
iron core (center) of the planet.

Hydrosphere
• Contains all of the planet’s solid, liquid, and
gaseous water.

Atmosphere
• Contains all of the planet’s air.

Biosphere
• Contains all of the planet’s living organisms.

Matter and Energy
• These spheres work together moving matter
and energy through the Earth system.
• A change in one sphere has an effect on the
other spheres.
– Matter: Takes up space and has mass – makes up
everything in the universe.
– Energy: the ability to do work or cause a change in
motion.

Matter and Energy
• Energy moves through this system and is
never destroyed nor created
• The energy is transformed from matter to
energy as it moves from one sphere to
another.
– Matter is a form of energy
– E=mc2 (Energy = Mass times Speed of Light Squared)

Visual Representation
• Use the squares on your paper to create a
visual representation of each sphere.

Reflection Page – This will go on page 4 of your notebooks
Reflection pages are interpretations of the concepts in a chapter, lesson, or unit.
Reflection pages create meaning by explaining what the concepts mean to you, how
they relate to each other, and why they matter. They are called reflection pages
because they appear opposite the page of content in your notebook – like a mirror
that reflects the ideas.
Learners can draw a cartoon, create a scrapbook page, make a list of analogies (the
moon is like a giant piece of cheese because it’s cratered surface), write poetry, etc. BE
CREATIVE!

Reflection Page – This will go on page 4 of your notebooks
Reflection pages are interpretations of the concepts in a chapter, lesson, or unit.
Reflection pages create meaning by explaining what the concepts mean to you, how
they relate to each other, and why they matter. They are called reflection pages
because they appear opposite the page of content in your notebook – like a mirror
that reflects the ideas.
Learners can draw a cartoon, create a scrapbook page, make a list of analogies (the
moon is like a giant piece of cheese because it’s cratered surface), write poetry, etc. BE
CREATIVE!