QUARTE

2 R3 PRE-TEST
Lesson
8.
1:
Direction: Circle the letter of the best answer from the
Earth and Life Sciences given choices.
1. How many seconds does it take for sun’s light to reach
the surface of the earth?
a. 150 seconds b. 250 seconds

Earth c. 500 seconds d. 1000 seconds

2. What is the average distance between the earth and the

as a
sun?
a. 91 million miles b. 93 million miles
c. 95 million miles d. 97 million miles
Unique 3. What is the process by which plants manufacture their

Planet own food by converting solar energy into chemical

energy?
Learning Objectives: a. Calvin cycle b. Photosynthesis
 recognize the
c. Cellular respiration d. Photodissociation
uniqueness of the
earth being the 4. What is the gaseous layer that envelops the earth?
only planet in the a. Ionosphere b. Atmosphere
solar system with
c. Ozone layer d. Stratosphere
properties
necessary to 5. The earth’s outer core is predominantly made up of iron
support life, and ______________.
a. Nickel b. Cobalt
 explain that earth
consists of four c. Copper d. Aluminum
subsystems, 6. The largest among the four subsystems.
across whose a. Biosphere b. Geosphere
boundaries matter
c. Atmosphere d. Hydrosphere
and energy flow;
and 7. It encompasses all life forms on earth

 identify common a. Biosphere b. Geosphere

rock forming c. Atmosphere d. Hydrosphere
minerals using
their chemical and 8. Oceans occupy what percent of earth’s water?
physical a. 65% b. 71%
properties. c. 80% d. 98%
9. This compound in the stratosphere absorbs high energy
radiation
a. Ozone b. Methane
c. Carbon dioxide d. Diatomic oxygen
 10. Scientists were able to understand earth’s interior by means
of sophisticated pieces of equipment involving __________.
a. radar b. sound
c. photons d. seismic waves
11. The property of mineral that can be observed directly is the
________.
a. Size b. Color
c. Streak d. Texture
12. The second softest mineral according to the Mohs scale of
hardness is the ______________.
a. Talc b. Apatite
c. Calcite d. Gypsum
13. Which of these is an example of a silicate mineral?
a. Galena b. Gypsum
c. Feldspar d. Corundum
14. Which of these is an example of non-silicate mineral?
a. Galena b. Feldspar
c. Orthoclase d. Plagioclase
15. This refers to the ability of a mineral to continue glowing even
after a source of ultraviolet has been turned off.
a. Luster b. Luminosity
c. Fluorescence d. Phosphorescence

DISCUSSI
ONEarth is a unique planet. It is the only planet capable of sustaining
life because of the right combination of elements, molecules and ions that
react under the right physical conditions to make up the processes
supportive to life. It has an atmosphere that serves as a thermostat that is
necessary to regulate its surface temperature. It also contains the right
amount of liquid water and oxygen that serve as essential compounds
needed in the biological processes such as cellular respiration and
photosynthesis. Earth’s scientists describe this planet as a life support
system. It is in the perfect location in the solar system. The mechanism of
its rotation and revolution are well-synchronized to bring about changes in
the weather and climate. Its tilt relative to the orbital plane promotes
seasons as we know it.
Figure 1: Planet Earth
 PRACTICE Word Vocabulary
1
Directions: The following are important terms which are related to the lesson. Use
as many references as you can to define each of these terms. Be sure to put it in the
context of the lesson.

1. Atmosphere
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2. Energy
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3. Gravity
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4. Magnetosphere
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5. Water
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6. Ozone
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7. Photosynthesis
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8. Moon
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9. Goldilocks
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10. Stratosphere
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 DISCUSSI
ON
In the Milky Way galaxy alone, there are about 1 billion planets. However, only
the earth is habitable. Other planets may be too hot or too cold. They may also be
too big or too small. Other planets may not have an atmosphere or a magnetic field
or may not be in an orbit at all. Fortunately, planet earth possesses all the features
and characteristics that make it habitable for all living forms. Let us go through with
each one of earth’s characteristics.

Earth’s location
Earth is the third planet in the solar system. It is considered to be one of the
inner planets next to Venus. Its distance from the sun is about 93 million miles and it
takes about 500 seconds for sunlight to reach the earth’s surface. This distance from
the sun is enough to support life. As we learned in our previous science lessons, the
producers, or organisms that manufacture their own food utilize the energy from the
sun and convert it into chemical energy that marks the beginning of food chains and
complex food webs. Below is the chemical equation called photosynthesis which
utilizes solar energy, converting it into food that will be made available to life forms.
The distance between earth and sun is strategic enough to put this essential
chemical equation to work.

CO2 + H2O C6H12O6 + O2

If the earth had been too close to the sun, its surface would have been dry and
lifeless just like mercury and Venus. If it had been too far like Uranus and Neptune, it
would have been cold and dark. Earth’s tactical location also prevents it from
planetary collisions. The fact that Jupiter, the biggest planet in the solar system is
our neighbor puts planet earth in an advantage as far as life is taken into
consideration. Between Mars and Jupiter are asteroid belts. Since Jupiter is so
massive, its gravity is so strong that it pulls asteroids and other space debris
towards itself, warding it away from the earth.

Earth’s atmosphere
The atmosphere is the gaseous layer that envelops the earth. It regulates the
planet’s surface temperature. Most of the element that makes up the atmosphere is
nitrogen (about 78%). If we compare the earth to an apple, the atmosphere is
relatively the size of its peel. However, due to its cooling mechanisms, it protects
the living things to be directly affected with harmful radiation.

O3 O2 + O
Photodissociation is the process by which ozone molecules (O 3) in the
stratosphere is broken down (decomposition reaction) into elemental oxygen (O)
and diatomic oxygen (O2) as it absorbs high energy solar radiation and then convert
it into low energy radiation. This way, harmful high-energy radiation will not go
directly into the earth’s surface.
Earth’s size and mass
The size of the earth also plays a vital role in keeping its life support system
afloat. The size of a planet is directly related to its gravitational pull. The
acceleration due to gravity helps the planet maintain its atmosphere. If the earth
had been bigger than it is, its gravity would have been stronger to the point of not
keeping an atmosphere around it. If it had been too small on the other hand, it
would not have been able to sustain a gaseous layer since its gravity is too weak.
Earth interacts gravitationally with the sun. Its gravity as a result of its mass, also
keeps the moon along its orbit. The moon, as the only natural satellite of Earth,
plays a vital role in the existence of all life forms.

Earth’s Magnetic Field

Our planet is a big ball of magnet. Its geographic north serves as its magnetic
south and its geographic south serves as its magnetic north. The region around
earth that is dominated by magnetic field is called magnetosphere which extends to
about 65, 000 km in space. Its magnetic properties are the result of its internal
activities involving electric current flowing in the molten core made possible by its
rotation. The inner core is the solid layer of the earth and is made predominantly of
iron. Since it is compressed by pressure due to earth’s gravity, it is solid in form. The
outer core on the other hand, is liquid in form and is made up predominantly of iron
and nickel.

As the earth spins, the flow of liquid iron and nickel in the outer core produces
electric current, thereby producing magnetic field. The invisible magnetic field then
passes through the earth’s layer and into the space. This magnetic field shields
earth from the harmful surge of charged particles from the sun called solar winds
and other space weather. Most of the particles of solar winds cannot cross the earth
because it gets deflected by the magnetic field. Without the magnetic field, earth
would have been as hot and lifeless as Mars.

Presence of water
Life as we know it, is impossible without a biologically essential compound
called water (H2O). Three fourths of the Earth’s surface are covered with water.
Scientists have found out that there are other planets of the universe that contain
water. However, this compound may exist as ice or vapor alone. On earth however,
water exists as gas forming clouds, as liquid in the form of oceans and lakes and as
solid in the form ice caps. This is due to hydrologic cycle. Earth has the right amount
of water to keep its habitability. Water has a cooling effect due to its heat capacity.
It has the capacity to absorb heat without raising its own temperature. As a result,
life on earth will be benefited by the cooling effect of water.
 PRACTICE
2 Essay
Directions: Answer the following questions focusing on the content of our
lesson. Write your answers on a paragraph form with five (5) to six (6) statements
per paragraph.

1. What is the significance of understanding the characteristics of the earth?

_______________________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________________
2. Which of the aforementioned unique characteristic of earth do you like the
most and why?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

PRACTICE
3 Writing Summary
Give at least five (5) insights that you learn from this lesson, as your way of
recognizing the uniqueness of Earth as a planet of life. Write it in paragraph form. A
rubric will be used to assess your output on this activity.
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 RUBRICS

Rubrics : for Essay/ Writing Activity

Criteria & Descriptiv Unsatisfacto Needs Satisfacto Outstanding

Percentag e Rating ry Improvemen ry
e t RATIN
G
Score 1 2 3 4
(Score
x %)

Content & - Content is - Content is - Content is - Content is

Developmen incomplete. not accurate. comprehensi
t - Major points comprehensiv - Major ve and
are not clear. e, points are accurate.
-Specific stated. - Major points
examples are -Major points - are stated
(70 %) are
not used. Responses clearly and
addressed, are are well
but not well adequate supported.
supported. and - Responses
- Responses address are excellent,
are topic. timely and
inadequate or - Content is address
do not clear. topic.
address topic. -Specific - Content is
-Specific examples clear.
examples do are used. -Specific
not support examples are
topic. used.

- Organization - Structure of - Structure -Structure of

and structure the paper is is mostly the paper is
detract from not easy to clear and clear and
the message. follow. easy to easy to
- Writing is - Transitions follow. follow.
disjointed and need - - Transitions
lacks improvement. Transitions are logical
Organization
transition of - Conclusion is are and maintain
& Structure
thoughts. missing, or if present. the flow of
provided, - thought
(15 %) does not flow Conclusion throughout
from the body is logical. the paper.
of the paper. - Conclusion
is logical and
flows from
the body of
the paper.

Grammar, - Paper - Paper - Rules of - Rules of

Punctuation contains contains few grammar, grammar,
& Spelling numerous grammatical, usage, and usage, and
grammatical, punctuation punctuation punctuation
punctuation, and spelling are are followed;
(15 %) and spelling errors. followed spelling is
errors. with minor correct.
errors.
 Spelling is
correct.

TOTAL RATING