Introduction
Earth's Early Atmosphere
The earth's atmosphere has experienced several changes during its existence. This has resulted in the ability of certain biotic life forms being able to inhabit the earth. This WebQuest is a review of key pieces of information covered in this lesson. After completing this WebQuest, you will have a stronger understanding of the objectives covered by this Lesson.
- describe the conditions on Earth billions of years ago
- summarize theories of how life began on Earth
- describe the relationship between organic compounds, nucleotides, RNA, and a universal genetic code
- explain the connection between the beginning of life and the universal genetic code of almost all organisms
Task
There will be two tasks that you will complete with this WebQuest. The first requires you to use the media and text provided. The second task is to respond to one of the prompts to exhibit your knowledge of the Earth's early atmosphere.
Process
Students will complete this webquest by responding using Micrsoft Word to create a document.
or your teacher will provide a document for you to respond to the evaluation.
Evaluation
Earth's Early Atmosphere
1. About 2.7 billion years ago what was the process that was credited for changing the atmosphere?
2. Methane, Ammonia, Carbon Dioxide are just a few of the molecules release in the first billion years. What were the other molecules responsible for atmospheric change?
3. In your own words, how has the condensation of water contribute to the formation of the worlds atmosphere?
After watching this video summarize how the atmosphere was created and what where some of the molecules that were created from the continuous cycles of chemical reactions.
Text Book Prompts
Select a prompt from below to respond to. Make sure you use the text book to help support the evidence to support your statements.
1. In 1953, Stanley Miller and Harold Urey of the University of Chicago tested the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis by simulating Earth’s early atmospheric conditions in a laboratory. How was Miller and Ureys' hypothesis relevant to understanding the earths early atmosphere?
2. Scientists now believe that the Miller-Urey experiment was not an accurate depiction of the conditions on early Earth. What were the opposing views of this experiment?
Conclusion
Conclusion
Summarize the key points that students should understand about the earth's early atmosphere.
Teacher Page
Teacher Tip: Make sure students read page 2 of Lesson 01.03. All answers to questions are found on page 2 in the activities section.