This activity was developed as an introductory experience to a series of lessons about water resources on Earth. Students will investigate Earth systems by making observations in nature and identifying systems in the natural world. Ultimately, the students will understand how the four spheres/systems on Earth (biosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and atmosphere) are interconnected. The following lessons have been developed to teach students about local and global water issues. They are based on NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission and an instructional module designed for Montgomery County Public Schools Outdoor Environmental Education Program

1. Connect the Spheres:
Earth’s Systems Interactions
Developed by the
GPM Education and
Public Outreach Team
NASA Goddard Space Flight
Center

2. ENGAGE
We’re going on a nature walk!
Your Task:
Record at least 5 observations
As we walk, think about…
What do you see?
What’s happening in nature?
Have you noticed any
changes?
Even something simple is
important!
Remember:
 Quiet please!
 Be respectful of
nature and other
students

3. Categorize your observations

4. Identify the interactions
Observation: a bird flew from one branch to another
Bird breathes
oxygen from the air
Bird needs
water to survive

5. Identify the interactions, continued
For example: a bird flew from one branch to another
Bird breathes
oxygen from
the air
Bird needs
water to survive
The bird’s habitat (tree)
grows in the soil
The bird and tree
require sunlight

6. What can you conclude?
Bird breathes
oxygen from
the air
Bird needs
water to survive
The bird’s habitat (tree)
grows in the soil
The bird and tree
require sunlight

7. The spheres
Hydrosphere
Biosphere
Geosphere
Atmosphere

8. Beat the Clock! Part 1
1.
2.
3.

9. Beat the Clock! Part 2
1.
3.
2.

10. Beat the Clock! Part 3
1.
2.
3.

11. Video- “Our Wet, Wide World”