6th Grade Science Guide

6.3 Weather & Climate 3 Dimensions & Progressions

Unit 4

STANDARD 6.3.4

6.3.4 Construct an explanation supported by evidence for how the natural greenhouse effect maintains Earth’s energy balance and a relatively constant temperature . Emphasize how the natural greenhouse effect is necessary for maintaining life on Earth. Examples could include comparisons between Earth and the moon or other planets.

CONCEPTS

SKILLS

●​ Natural Greenhouse Effect ●​ Earth’s Energy Balance ●​ Relatively Constant temperature

●​ Construct ●​ Explain

LEARNING PROGRESSIONS

●​ Find the temperature range for Earth and several other planets ●​ Understand that stability of temperature allows for life on Earth ●​ Earth’s atmosphere is the reason for the stability in temperature ●​ Greenhouse gasses which make up the atmosphere contribute to the greenhouse effect creating stability ●​ Greenhouse emissions since the industrial revolution have let to increased global temperatures as more heat is trapped in the atmosphere.

VOCABULARY

●​ Greenhouse gas ●​ Atmosphere ●​ Emissions ●​ Industrial revolution

●​ Stability ●​ Solar Energy ●​ Solar Radiation ●​ Thermal Energy ●​ Radiation

●​ Atmosphere ●​ Surface temperature ●​ Carbon dioxide ●​ Nitrogen ●​ Water vapor ●​ Clouds ●​ Habitable

●​ Convection ●​ Conduction ●​ Energy

●​ Reflect ●​ Absorb

POSSIBLE PHENOMENA

●​ Venus’ average temperature is hotter than Mercury’s. ●​ Although Mercury is the planet closest to the sun, Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system. ●​ On Mercury, the temperature extremes range from -279°F at night to 801°F during the day, while on Earth the temperature extremes range from -129°F to 136°F. END OF UNIT COMPETENCY WITH LANGUAGE SUPPORTS ●​ I can use evidence to explain how greenhouse gasses in Earth’s atmosphere affect its ability to sustain life.