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

2. We’re going on a nature walk!
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
Present students with their task – to record at least 5 observations along our 5-10 minute nature walk. The observations can be “simple” ones – things they see every day, or very special, unique ones of that day. Either way, they are all important! They are working individually for this, so they will not talk to their classmates. Remember to be respectful!
Photo credit

3. Categorize your observations
Ask students to categorize their observations – write one of these 5 words next to each observation they have on their paper.
Photo credits

4. Identify the interactions
Observation: a bird flew from one branch to another
Bird needs water to survive
As a pair, students will choose one observation to consider in more detail and identify as many interactions as they can. Provide this example for the students. Give them some time to work.
Bird breathes oxygen from the air

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

6. What can you conclude? The bird’s habitat (tree) grows in the soil
Bird needs water to survive
Bird breathes oxygen from the air
After seeing many examples, hopefully students will conclude that all the systems on Earth are connected. A system cannot operate on its own.
The bird and tree require sunlight

7. The spheres
Geosphere
Hydrosphere
Atmosphere
Biosphere

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

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

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

11. Video- “Our Wet, Wide World”
This short video (4:06) "Our Wet Wide World", -overview provides an overview of the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission and its goals. Students will learn how scientists measure water in the atmosphere from both the ground and from space.