Earth Systems Connections and Changes

Grade 4 Science Exploring How Earth's Systems Work Together

What Are Earth's Four Systems?

Atmosphere - the air around us Hydrosphere - all the water on Earth Biosphere - all living things Lithosphere - the solid rocky part of Earth

Think About This...

What happens when it rains heavily for many days? How might this affect plants, animals, and the soil?

Forest Fire Impact Chain

System Changes We Can Observe

{"left":"Drought reduces water in rivers\nPollution makes air dirty\nToo much rain causes flooding","right":"Animals move when habitats change\nSoil erodes during heavy storms\nPlants die without enough water"}

Poster Project: System Connections

Work alone or with a partner Draw a scenario card Create a poster showing how your change affects different Earth systems Use arrows to connect the systems Be ready to share with the class!

Scenario Examples

Oil spill in a lake Severe drought in farmland Invasive species in a forest Heavy flooding in a city Volcano eruption Melting glacier

Sharing Our Discoveries

Present your poster to the class Explain the chain of changes in your scenario Listen carefully to other groups Ask questions and give positive feedback Use sticky notes to share thoughts

Remember This Important Idea:

Earth's systems are all connected. When one system changes, it affects the others like ripples in a pond.

Exit Ticket Challenge

New scenario: A factory dumps waste into a river Write or draw: What changes might happen in different Earth systems? Use what you learned today! Turn in your answer before you leave