🌍 Part 1: Understanding Earth's Spheres

1. Match each sphere with its correct description:

1. Geosphere

2. Biosphere

3. Hydrosphere

4. Atmosphere

A. All water on Earth including oceans, rivers and ice

B. All living things on Earth

C. The layer of gases surrounding Earth

D. The solid Earth including rocks and soil

2. Which statement best describes Earth as a system?

Earth's spheres work independently of each other

Matter and energy flow between Earth's spheres continuously

Only the atmosphere affects other spheres

The spheres never interact with each other

🔄 Part 2: Carbon Cycle Processes

3. Fill in the blanks about key carbon cycle processes:

During photosynthesis, plants in the _____________ absorb carbon dioxide from the _____________ and produce oxygen. When organisms undergo respiration, they release _____________ back into the atmosphere. Combustion occurs when fossil fuels stored in the _____________ are burned, releasing carbon into the _____________.

4. Which carbon cycle processes involve interactions between Earth's spheres? (Check all that apply)

Photosynthesis (biosphere ↔ atmosphere)

Respiration (biosphere → atmosphere)

Combustion (geosphere → atmosphere)

Ocean absorption of CO₂ (hydrosphere ↔ atmosphere)

🌿 Part 3: Sphere Interactions Analysis

5. Scenario Analysis: A bushfire burns through a eucalyptus forest in Australia. Analyse this scenario by answering the questions below:

a) Which spheres are directly involved in this scenario? ________________________

b) What carbon cycle process is occurring during the fire? ________________________

c) How does this affect the atmosphere?

d) How might this impact the biosphere in the long term?

6. Give your own example of an interaction between two or more Earth spheres:

🎨 Part 4: Create Your Earth System Model

7. In the space below, draw and label a diagram showing Earth's four spheres and how they interact through carbon cycle processes. Include arrows to show the movement of carbon between spheres.

8. Explain why the interactions between Earth's spheres are important for sustaining life: