AIM: Intro To the Earth Do Now –In your note book tell me why the Earth is a special planet. What features are here that are possibly found no where else?

Earth’s shape most closely resembles that of a Ping-Pong ball. I. The Earth’s Shape True shape is an oblate spheroid – slightly flattened at the poles and slightly bulging at the equator. Earth’s shape most closely resembles that of a Ping-Pong ball.

How do we know Earth is round (oblate spheroid)? The best evidence comes from satellite images taken of Earth. Why does the sail boat appear to “sink” over time? The sail boat is moving away from the observer along the curved Earth. This makes it appear to “sink” over the horizon.

II. Earth’s Gravity - Is the Earth perfectly round? - Greatest gravitational forces are felt at the center of Earth. The closer you are, the heavier you will be. - Is the Earth perfectly round? - What does that mean for your weight at these two locations? Slightly bulging at the equator, you are farther from the center of Earth. Slightly flatter at the poles, you are closer to the center of Earth. Weigh more ( + 0.3%) Weigh less ( - 0.3%)

III. “Spheres” of the Earth Hydrosphere - all of the water. 2. Atmosphere – a life-sustaining, thin, gaseous layer. - Early gases came from volcanoes. Cover of your ESRT

3. Lithosphere – Layer of bedrock near the Earth’s surface. 4. Biosphere – includes all life on Earth.

Why do materials set up in layers? III. Layers of the Earth DENSITY!!! Why do materials set up in layers? More dense materials sink to Earth’s center and less dense materials floated to the surface.

Take a “Intro To Earth” worksheet from the Do Now Bottom Bin. Closure: Take a “Intro To Earth” worksheet from the Do Now Bottom Bin.