EARTH AND LIFE SCIENCE

(Core Subject for Non-STEM Strand)

SAMPLE TEACHING GUIDE

TOPIC: Earth Systems (60 min)

CONTENT STANDARD
The learners demonstrate an understanding of the subsystems (geosphere,
hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere) that make up the earth.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD
The learners shall be able to make a concept map and use it to explain how the
geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere are interconnected.

POWER STANDARD

LITERAL TRANSFER

LEARNING COMPETENCY
The learners explain that the Earth consists of four subsystems, across whose
boundaries matter and energy flow (S11ES-Ib-4).

SPECIFIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of the lesson, the learners will be able to:
 define the concept of a system;;
 recognize the Earth as a system composed of subsystems;
 differentiate the Earth’s subsystems and describe how each one is related to one
another;
 trace the flow of energy within the Earth’s systems; and
 suggest ways to protect and preserve natural processes within the earth’s
subsystems;

I. Introduction

Communicating learning objectives

1. Using a pencil and a piece of paper, have the learners draw or illustrate the field
area. Take note of the presence of vegetation, soil cover, wildlife, rockout-crops,
and bodies of water. Ask the learners to think how energy and mass are
transferred in the different components of the area.

2. Introduce the following specific learning objectives:

 define the concept of a system;;
 recognize the Earth as a system composed of subsystems;
 differentiate the Earth’s subsystems and describe how each one is related to
one another;
 trace the flow of energy within the Earth’s systems;
  suggest ways to protect and preserve the natural processes within the earth’s
subsystems.

3. Ask the learners what they remember about the concept of ecosystems.

II. Motivation

1. Ask the learners what they know about or have experienced regarding El Nino.

2. Use the figure on the right, briefly explain the El Nino phenomenon. Emphasize
that it starts with the unusual warming of the central Pacific Ocean accompanied
by the weakening of the trade winds. The warming of the central Pacific Ocean
results to an eastward shift of the low pressure area (away from the Indo Pacific).

3. Explain the origin of the term El Nino as a decrease in fish catch off the coast of
Peru near the Christmas time. Emphasize that this is a biological response.

III. Instruction
1. Define the term system as a set of interconnected components that are
interacting to form a unified whole.
2. Present this diagram that enumerates the subsystems of the Earth.
3. Explain that the Earth system is essentially a closed system. It receives energy
from the sun and returns some of this energy to space.
4. Introduce the term atmosphere.
5. Introduce the term lithosphere.
6. Introduce the term biosphere.
7. Introduce the term hydrosphere.

IV. Practice
1. Using either the illustration Figure 1 or 4, identify how energy and mass is
exchanged among the subsystems. Use different types of lines and boxes to
differentiate between matter or materials and energy.
2. Use arrows to indicate the interaction among components.

V. Enrichment
1. The impact of man to the environment has become so massive that scientists are
proposing the addition of man or the anthroposphere to the Earth system.

2. Write an essay not exceeding 200 words on how man has altered the atmosphere,
biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and as a consequence, the Earth System as
whole.

Note: This Teaching Guide has been modified from the Teaching Guide for Senior High School
prepared by CHED in collaboration with Philippine Normal University.

Prepared by:

Agnes B. Salvadora Roy C. Asignacion

 List of needed materials for Earth System
Earth and Life Science Group
 EARTH SCIENCE GROUP

1. CGs of Earth and Life

2. Photocopy of El nino phenomenon picture
3. Photocopy of Earth System picture
4. Photocopy of Hypsographic curve picture
5. Photocopy of Exchange of energy and mass picture
6. Handout on Earth’s Subsystems
7. Video clip of a person sliding down the slide
8. Video clip on mass wasting
9. Paper cups
10. Paper plate
11. Sand
12. Water
13. Photocopy of the picture of the components of gravity acting on a mass resting
on a tilted surface
14. Photocopy of the picture of the schematic diagram of a slump
15. A schematic diagram of a slump