This graphic organizer may be used to help students analyze the processes and components of Earth System phenomena.

This photo of Earth taken in December 1968 by the Apollo 8 astronauts was the first time humans were able to see our home planet as an isolated sphere in space.

What are Phytoplankton?

Derived from the Greek words phyto (plant) and plankton (made to wander or drift), phytoplankton are microscopic organisms that live in watery environments, both salty and fresh.

Explore the energy and matter cycles found within the Earth System. 

This sphere is the outer part of the Earth System that extends nearly 500 km above Earth's surface and includes an ever-changing mixture of gas and small particles surrounding the Earth’s surface.

The Hydrosphere is associated with water in the liquid state, which covers about 70% of the Earth's surface. Most liquid water is found in the oceans.

Soil moisture is the water that is held in the spaces between soil particles, generally in the upper 10 cm of soil.  Although soil moisture is just a fraction of the total water mass in the water cycle, this small amount of water plays a critical role in evaporation and plant transpiration proces