SC State Science Standard 6-4.1: Compare the composition and structure of Earth’s atmospheric layers (including the gases and differences in
temperature and pressure within each layer).
______ PAPER PLATE
CATEGORY
Scientific
Knowledge
ConstructionMaterials
Information
Gathering
Attractiveness &
Organization
Graphics/Pictures
______ MOBILE
4
______ SHOEBOX
3
2
Explanation
indicates a clear and
accurate
understanding of
scientific principles
underlying the
construction and
modifications.
Explanation
indicates a
relatively accurate
understanding of
scientific principles
underlying the
construction and
modifications.
Explanation
indicates a
relatively accurate
understanding of
scientific principles
underlying the
construction and
modifications.
Appropriate
materials were
selected and
creatively modified
in ways that made
them even better.
Appropriate
materials were
selected and there
was an attempt at
creative
modification to
make them even
better.
Accurate
information taken
from a couple of
sources in a
systematic manner.
The model has
attractive
formatting and
well-organized
information.
Appropriate
materials were
selected.
Graphics go well
with the text, but
there are so many
that they distract
from the text.
Graphics go well
with the text, but
there are too few
and the model
seems “text-heavy”.
Accurate
information taken
from several
sources in a
systematic manner.
The model has
exceptionally
attractive
formatting and
well-organized
information.
Graphics go well
with the text and
there is a good mix
of text and graphics.
Accurate
information taken
from a couple
sources, but not
systematically.
The model has wellorganized
information.
Total Points
Final Score
1
Explanation
indicates that
scholar does not
illustrate much
understanding of
scientific principles
underlying the
construction and
modifications.
Inappropriate
materials were
selected and
contributed to a
product that
performed poorly.
Information taken
from only one
source and/or
information not
accurate.
The model’s
formatting and
organization of
material is
confusing to the
reader.
Graphics do not go
with the
accompanying text
or appear to be
randomly chosen.
SC State Science Standard 6-4.1 – Compare the composition and structure of Earth’s atmospheric layers (including the gases and differences in
temperature and pressure within the layers).
Directions: Since scholars did such a great job showing the teacher that they can handle “choice,” you get a “say” in how you show mastery of your
understanding of Earth’s atmospheric layers again this week for homework. Choose one assignment from the options listed below to complete that
represents a model of the layers of Earth’s atmosphere. Turn it in NO LATER than Friday, September 9th!!!!!!Must be small enough to fit on the
bus!!
OPTION 1:
OPTION 2:
OPTION 3:
PAPER PLATE MODEL
SHOEBOX MODEL
MOBILE MODEL
NON-NEGOTIABLE RULES: While each scholar may choose to represent his/her version of the layers of Earth’s
atmosphere differently, ALL scholars must follow these non-negotiable rules.
1. Your model must have Earth represented as a sphere with blue (water) and green (land). Earth must be shown
in the center of all models.
2. Your model must have five distinct layers that show the five layers of Earth’s atmosphere and that they WRAP
around the Earth.
3. Each layer must be clearly labeled (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere)
4. There must be some 3-D object or picture(s) inside EACH layer that represents one of the characteristics of that
particular layer. Use the guide below to help you with what characteristics you should represent. Whatever you
decided, BE CREATIVE!!!!!!!!!!
a. Troposphere: all weather occurs here and it is the layer closest to Earth’s surface. Something should be
in this layer that shows weather: rain, clouds, lightning, storms, etc. Scholars in the past have used rice
for rain and cotton for clouds. Make sure to note that carbon dioxide and water vapor are the two gases
found here. Be creative!
b. Stratosphere: this layer is cold except in the upper region where the ozone layer is located. You must
show that this layer is divided in half, with the bottom layer being cold and the top of the stratosphere is
hot. A piece of string could be useful in dividing the stratosphere in two layers. Planes also fly in this
layer and nitrogen and oxygen are two gases here too.
c. Mesosphere: this is the coldest layer. Include something 3-D that represents extremely cold
temperatures. Snowflakes and glitter have been used in the past. Nitrogen and oxygen are two gases
found here.
d. Thermosphere: this is the hottest layer and where the air is very thin. In the past, scholars have used
different red objects to represent the extremely hot temperatures that are found in this layer. Show
that nitrogen and oxygen are the two gases found here.
e. Exosphere: this is the furthest layer from Earth’s surface. Using 3-D objects or pictures show that the
stars, moon, and planets are found here. There is no air pressure in this layer; since it decreases the
further you travel away from Earth’s surface.
OPTION 1: PAPER PLATE MODEL
 Materials Required: a paper plate, markers/crayons/colored pencils, pictures and 3-D
objects to represent at least one characteristic in each layer
 Directions:
o Write your heading (Full Name, Date, and Homeroom) on the back of the paper
plate.
o Place Earth in the middle and draw five very neat circles that go around the Earth
that divide the ENTIRE paper plate into five separate layers. You might want to
use a compass or round object to make perfect circles. Make sure that your
stratosphere is large enough to neatly divide it in half to show the lower (where it
is cold) and upper region (where ozone is).
OPTION 2: SHOEBOX MODEL
 Materials Required: A shoebox
OPTION 3: MOBILE MODEL
 Materials Required: A hanger, string, note cards might be helpful in displaying your
information.
 Special Instructions: Earth should be represented on the hanger itself with the layers
hanging down. Make sure that your shortest string is the troposphere and that the
exosphere gets the longest string.