🌍 Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. What gas makes up most of Earth's atmosphere?

Oxygen

Nitrogen

Carbon dioxide

Water vapor

2. Which layer of the atmosphere is closest to Earth's surface?

Stratosphere

Mesosphere

Troposphere

Thermosphere

3. How does energy from the Sun travel to Earth?

Through air currents

Through radiation

Through conduction

Through convection only

4. What happens to air when it gets heated?

It becomes denser and rises

It becomes less dense and rises

It becomes denser and sinks

It stays the same

5. Which processes help transfer energy in the atmosphere? (Check all that apply)

Conduction

Convection

Radiation

Evaporation

✏️ Part 2: Short Answer

6. Explain why the troposphere is important for life on Earth.

7. Fill in the blanks:

When the Sun heats Earth's surface, warm air _________ and cool air _________. This creates _________ currents that help transfer energy through the atmosphere.

8. Describe what would happen to Earth's temperature if we had no atmosphere.

🎯 English Learner Modifications

WIDA Level 1 (Entering) Modifications:

Simplified Version for Beginning English Learners:

1. Earth's air has many gases. Which gas is the most? (Use picture cards)

Oxygen (O₂)

Nitrogen (N₂) ← Most gas

Sentence Starter: "The layer closest to Earth is the ___________."

Word Bank: troposphere, stratosphere

WIDA Level 3 (Developing) Modifications:

Enhanced Academic Language with Support:

Modified Question 6: Explain the importance of the troposphere using this sentence frame:

Sentence Frame: "The troposphere is important for life because _________. It contains _________ that living things need. Weather happens in this layer when _________."

Academic Vocabulary Support:

• Atmosphere: layers of gases around Earth

• Energy transfer: how heat moves from one place to another

• Convection: heat transfer through moving air or liquid

• Radiation: energy that travels through space