Year 11 - Science
Evolution of Earth's atmosphere
Atmosphere and changing climate
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit explores the composition and evolution of Earth's atmosphere, evidence of climate change, and effects of pollutants like sulphur dioxide. It highlights scientific explanations, ethical considerations, risk evaluation, and the role of peer review in communication.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe how Earth's atmosphere developed over billions of years.
Key Notes
- Early volcanic activity is thought to have made an atmosphere of carbon dioxide and nitrogen billions of years ago.
- Carbon dioxide can dissolve in oceans and form carbonates that, over millions of years, can form sedimentary rock.
- The amount of carbon dioxide was reduced by the formation of sedimentary rocks and photosynthesis by algae and plants.
- Algae and plants produced the oxygen that is now in the atmosphere by photosynthesis.
- Phytoplankton in the oceans are responsible for roughly half of all oxygen production that takes place today.
Vocabulary To Learn
- algae: A diverse range of unicellular or multicellular organisms that can photosynthesise.
- phytoplankton: A group of microscopic algae, usually found floating in the upper part of the ocean.
- photosynthesis: A process in which energy from sunlight converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
- carbon sink: A process or system that takes more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases.
- sedimentary rock: Rock formed when particles settle on Earth's surface and then become cemented together.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Earth's atmosphere has always contained oxygen. The atmosphere's composition is static and unchanging.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
Early volcanic activity is thought to have made an atmosphere of carbon dioxide and nitrogen billions of years ago. Carbon dioxide can dissolve in oceans and form carbonates that, over millions of years, can form sedimentary rock.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'algae'
A diverse range of unicellular or multicellular organisms that can photosynthesise. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: Earth's atmosphere has always contained oxygen. The atmosphere's composition is static and unchanging. Correction: Clarify the development of oxygen through photosynthesis. Describe how atmospheric composition has evolved over time due to geological and biological processes.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Acid rain and chemical weathering Study Guide
- Atmospheric pollutants Study Guide
- Burning hydrocarbons Study Guide
- Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere Study Guide
- Earth's atmosphere Study Guide
- Earth's atmosphere (approximate values) Study Guide
- Global climate change and the effects Study Guide
- Greenhouse gases Study Guide
- Human activity and climate change Study Guide
- Ozone layer: a story of global success Study Guide
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