Atmosphere Shield Worksheet
Earth Science • Reading Comprehension Article Companion
Score: ______ / 25
Importance of the Atmosphere
Read the accompanying article and answer the questions below.
Name:
Date: Period:
Part 1: Key Terms in Context
1 pt each • 5 Total
Word Bank:
blanket nitrogen photosynthesis sound waves water vapor weathering
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Although makes up most of Earth's atmosphere, carbon dioxide and oxygen are vital for life.
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Plants absorb carbon dioxide and water to produce food and oxygen through .
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Atmospheric gases surround Earth like a , moderating temperatures between day and night.
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Liquid surface water evaporates into , which ascends, cools, and forms clouds that yield rain.
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Because space is an empty vacuum, must vibrate through atmospheric gases for us to hear.
Part 2: Multiple-Choice Check
1 pt each • 4 Total
6. How does the atmosphere protect Earth from solar radiation?
A It completely blocks all light from reaching plants
B It reflects or absorbs the Sun's most harmful rays
C It converts ultraviolet rays directly into liquid rain
D It focuses sunlight onto bedrock to accelerate melting
7. Why do animals and other non-plant organisms depend on plant photosynthesis?
A To produce nitrogen gas for animal lungs
B To absorb excess atmospheric sounds
C To supply food and oxygen needed to release energy
D To permanently freeze water in mountain glaciers
8. Which primary factor causes most weather to develop in Earth's atmosphere?
A The atmosphere heating unevenly in different places
B Sound waves echoing off surface water bodies
C Nitrogen gas chemically reacting with topsoil
D Green algae releasing steam into the upper air
9. How does water seep into rocks and actively cause weathering?
A Water shrinks and pulls rock minerals inward
B Water freezes, expands in crevices, and cracks rock
C Freezing water turns surrounding stone into gas
D Ice waves create loud sounds that shatter stone
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Atmosphere Shield Worksheet Page 2
Student Name:
Part 3: Earth Systems Cause & Effect
2 pts each • 6 Total
Based on the reading, describe what Earth would be like in each row if our atmosphere did not exist.
Atmospheric Role
With Atmosphere (Earth Today)
Without Atmosphere (Barren Earth)
- Temperature Regulation
Keeps temperatures livable: blocks daytime scorching heat and retains surface warmth at night.
- Water Cycle & Rain
Vapor condenses into clouds and precipitates as rain, supplying essential freshwater.
- Sound Transmission
Gases act as a medium for sound waves to travel, enabling hearing voices, horns, and birds.
Part 4: Short-Answer Explanations
3 pts each • 6 Total
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Rocks on Earth are constantly broken down through weathering. Describe two specific atmospheric agents (such as wind, ice, or rain) and explain how each wears down rocks.
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Explain the mutual relationship between plants and other organisms regarding atmospheric gases. Specifically state the role of carbon dioxide and oxygen in sustaining life.
Part 5: Lunar Science Scenario
4 pts • Synthesis
Scenario: On the Moon, astronaut footprints remain undisturbed forever, radio headsets are required to hear someone standing right next to you, and surface temperatures fluctuate wildly from 250°F to -200°F.
- Using evidence from the reading about Earth's atmosphere, explain why two of these lunar phenomena occur:
Atmosphere Shield Worksheet • Page 2 of 2 End of Worksheet
Atmosphere Shield Answer Key
Teacher Resource • Answer Key & Rubric Earth Science
Total: 25 Points
Atmosphere Shield Answer Key
Companion grading guide and text evidence for the Atmosphere Shield Worksheet.
Target Level: Grades 6–8
Part 1: Key Terms in Context (5 Points)
1 pt each
Answer: nitrogen Text Evidence: "Most of the atmosphere is nitrogen, but it doesn't do much. Carbon dioxide and oxygen are the gases in the atmosphere that are needed for life."
Answer: photosynthesis Text Evidence: "Plants need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. They use sunlight to change carbon dioxide and water into food. The process releases oxygen."
Answer: blanket Text Evidence: "Gases in the atmosphere surround Earth like a blanket. They keep the temperature in a range that can support life."
Answer: water vapor Text Evidence: "Water vapor rises from Earth’s surface into the atmosphere. As it rises, it cools. The water vapor may then condense into water droplets and form clouds."
Answer: sound waves Text Evidence: "Sound is a form of energy that travels in waves. Sound waves cannot travel through empty space, but they can travel through gases."
Part 2: Multiple-Choice Check (4 Points)
1 pt each
6. Solar Radiation Protection Correct: B
B — It reflects or absorbs the Sun's most harmful rays.
Rationale: Section "The Atmosphere and the Sun's Rays" explicitly states gases reflect or absorb the strongest, most harmful rays of sunlight.
7. Organism Dependence on Plants Correct: C
C — To supply food and oxygen needed to release energy.
Rationale: Non-plant organisms rely on plants directly/indirectly for food and need the oxygen byproduct of photosynthesis to metabolize that food.
8. Weather Mechanism Correct: A
A — The atmosphere heating unevenly in different places.
Rationale: Section "The Atmosphere and Weather" clarifies: "Most weather occurs because the atmosphere heats up more in some places than others."
9. Freeze-Thaw Weathering Correct: B
B — Water freezes, expands in crevices, and cracks rock.
Rationale: Section "The Atmosphere and Weathering" explains that when seeped water freezes, it expands, causing rocks to crack over time.
