This is the Earth Science for STEM self-learning module for Senior High School, Quarter 1, Module 1: Characteristics of Earth that are Necessary to Support Life. It explains why Earth is the only planet known to support living things by looking at five factors: temperature, water, atmosphere, energy, and nutrients. It is a First Edition (2021) Alternative Delivery Mode module from DepEd Region IV-A CALABARZON, written for learners studying at home with help from a teacher or parent.
What learners will learn
After going through this module, learners are expected to:
- identify the different factors necessary to support life on a planet;
- describe the characteristics of Earth necessary to support life; and
- explain how each characteristic affects life on Earth.
Lesson in this module
The module has one lesson, Lesson 1: Characteristics of Earth that are Necessary to Support Life. It starts from the idea that Earth’s environment changed over millions of years. That change let simple microorganisms survive and slowly evolve into more complex and diverse organisms.
The five factors that make life possible on Earth
The module explains that Earth is about 4.543 billion years old. Early on, life was not possible because the environment did not allow it. Life became possible because of these five factors.
Temperature
Temperature affects how quickly atoms, molecules, and organisms move.
- When it is too cold, chemical reactions slow down, and water turns to ice, so liquid water is not available.
- When it is too hot, important biological molecules can break down.
On Earth, the temperature is just right to support life.
Water
Water is a key ingredient in many biological processes. Without it, the reactions needed for life cannot happen properly. Frozen water is also hard for living things to use. On Earth, water is solid (ice) at the two poles and liquid near the equator, where living things can use it.
Atmosphere
Earth’s atmosphere does several jobs:
- It insulates and shields the planet from the sun and from small to medium-sized meteorites.
- Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) trap heat and keep the planet from freezing.
- The ozone (O3) layer shields the surface from harmful UV radiation.
- It supplies chemicals that life needs, such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
A planet’s size and its distance from the sun affect how much atmosphere it can hold. Earth has the right size and the right distance from the sun to keep the right amount of atmosphere, and gravity helps hold it in place.
Energy
Earth gets plenty of energy-rich sunlight. Plants and photosynthetic bacteria use light as their energy source. Some chemosynthetic organisms use chemical energy instead. Earth’s position from the sun lets it receive enough sunlight.
Nutrients
Nutrients build and maintain the bodies of organisms. Without enough nutrients, organisms cannot make the biological molecules they need. Earth recycles nutrients through the water, carbon and oxygen, phosphate, and nitrogen cycles. Volcanism also helps cycle nutrients.
Activities in the module
| Part | What learners do |
|---|---|
| What I Know | 15-item multiple-choice pretest |
| What’s In | List five biological factors you need to live, then pick and explain your top three |
| What’s New | A “4 Pics 1 Word” game that introduces the five key terms |
| What is It | The discussion of the five factors |
| What’s More | 10 true-or-false items; if a statement is false, change the underlined words to make it true |
| What I Have Learned | Two tables: draw or paste a picture and answer a question for each factor, then write what a planet needs for life to exist |
| What I Can Do | Explain how you would assess Earth’s condition to support life, factor by factor |
| Assessment | 15-item multiple-choice post-test |
| Additional Activities | Design a terrarium or aquarium that explains why Earth can sustain life |
A scoring rubric for the terrarium is included. It rates the plants, the materials (such as rock, soil, sand, charcoal, coffee filters, and a clear container), the care of the terrarium, and the design plan.
How to use this module
- Learners: Answer the pretest first to check what you already know. Then work through the parts in order and finish with the post-test. Write all answers on a separate sheet of paper, not on the module. Answer keys are provided, so check your work honestly after answering.
- Parents: Help your child follow the parts in order and read the instructions before each task. Contact the teacher if your child has trouble with any activity.
- Teachers and facilitators: The Notes to the Teacher ask you to have learners share the insights they gained from talking with peers during the What’s In activity. Use the rubric to grade the terrarium or aquarium project.
Frequently asked questions
Which grade and quarter is this Earth Science module for?
It is a Senior High School Earth Science for STEM module for Quarter 1, Module 1. The module does not name a specific grade, so it applies to Senior High School learners taking the subject.
What are the characteristics of Earth that support life?
The module names five factors: temperature, water, atmosphere, energy, and nutrients. Earth has the right temperature, liquid water, a protective atmosphere, enough sunlight, and processes that recycle nutrients.
Does the module have an answer key?
Yes. It has answer keys for the pretest (What I Know), What’s More, What’s New, and the post-test (Assessment), plus a rubric for the terrarium activity.
What does a greenhouse gas do?
A greenhouse gas traps heat. The module gives carbon dioxide and methane as examples and explains that they keep Earth from freezing.
How do volcanoes support life on Earth?
According to the module, volcanism helps in cycling nutrients, along with the water, carbon and oxygen, phosphate, and nitrogen cycles.
Full text of the module
The text below is a transcription of the PDF above, as printed.
Senior High School
Earth Science for Stem Quarter 1 – Module 1: Characteristics of Earth that are Necessary to Support Life
[illustration: teacher and learners reading, writing, and studying outdoors and indoors, with a globe and a lamp]
CO_Q1_ESS SHS Module 1
Earth Science Alternative Delivery Mode Quarter 1 – Module 1: Characteristics of Earth that are Necessary to Support Life First Edition, 2021
Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.
Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names, trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.
Published by the Department of Education Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio
Development Team of the Module
Writer: Lorna B. Alvarez
Editors: Randie B. Atienza, Eleneth D. Escalona
Reviewers: Marionel U. Briz, Francia C. Silva, Christian Dick B. Cunag, Ryan B. Garcia, Cyrus T. Festijo, and Rowena D. Cabanding
Illustrator: Patrick Lemuel V. Reyes
Layout Artist: Paulina S. Crescini
Management Team: Francis Cesar B. Bringas, Job S. Zape Jr., Ramonito O. Elumbaring, Reicon C. Condes, Elaine T. Balaogan, Fe M. Ong-ongowan, Sacoro R. Comia, Fe M. Fallurin, Marieta N. Perez
Printed in the Philippines by ________________________
Department of Education – Region IV-A CALABARZON
Office Address: Gate 2 Karangalan Village, Barangay San Isidro Cainta, Rizal 1800 Telefax: 02-8682-5773/8684-4914/8647-7487 E-mail Address: 02-8682-5773/8684-4914/8647-7487
Earth Science for STEM Quarter 1 – Module 1: Characteristics of Earth that are Necessary to Support Life
Senior High School
Earth Science for STEM Quarter 1 – Module 1: Characteristics of Earth that are Necessary to Support Life
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.
Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.
Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.
In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can best help you on your home-based learning.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests. And read the instructions carefully before performing each task.
If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.
Thank you.
What I Need to Know
This module will take you to a journey on how and why Earth is so special. This material was crafted to give you assistance to understand the concepts about the characteristics of the Earth that are necessary to support life. Lessons are bounded on the performance and content standard, learning competencies and level of the learners
After going through this module, you are expected to:
- identify the different factors necessary to support life in a planet;
- describe the characteristics of Earth necessary to support life; and
- explain how ach characteristic affect life on Earth
What I Know
Read and analyze the following questions. Write the letter of the best answer on your answer sheet.
Why is the ozone layer important to Earth?
a. It regulates the weather on Earth.
b. It produces enough amount of rain.
c. It protects Earth from meteors and asteroids impact.
d. It filters harmful UV radiation that reaches the Earth.
Plants, animals, and microbes survive and thrive on Earth million years ago because Earth provides essential factors needed for life to exist. Which of the following factors is essential to support life on the planet?
a. Liquid water
b. Nutrients
c. Temperature
d. All of the above
How does temperature affect the ability of Earth to support life?
a. temperature intensifies gravity
b. temperature produces nutrients
c. temperature protects Earth from radiation
d. temperature affects biological and chemical processes
Which of the following is not a function of Earth’s atmosphere?
a. It provides energy.
b. It provides significant insulation.
c. It protects from harmful radiation.
d. It gives protection against small to medium size meteorites.
What is a greenhouse gas?
a. It is a gas that traps heat.
b. It is a gas that releases heat from Earth.
c. It is a gas that shields Earth from radiation.
d. It is a gas that provides protection from space.
Which of the following factors affects a planet’s ability to hold atmosphere?
a. orbital size
b. presence of volcano
c. distance from the sun
d. presence of liquid water
What element composes the ozone layer?
a. carbon
b. helium
c. hydrogen
d. oxygen
What will happen to Earth if there are no greenhouse gases?
a. Earth’s temperature will increase.
b. Earth’s temperature will decrease.
c. Earth’s temperature will become stable.
d. Earth’s temperature will not be affected.
Ozone layer depletes when combined with CFC. What do you think will the ozone layer completely depleted?
a. changes in weather
b. solar wind will pass through
c. penetration of ultraviolet radiation
d. meteors will freely get through the Earth’s atmosphere
Which of the following statement is TRUE?
a. Living organisms can harness energy from sun.
b. All living organisms cannot survive without sunlight.
c. Living organisms cannot harness energy from chemical substances.
d. All of the above statements are true.
- What is the most important factor that determines Earth’s temperature?
a. size of the orbit
b. distance from the sun
c. gas in the atmosphere
d. amount of water on the planet
- If Earth is smaller than its size, how will you describe its atmosphere?
a. It will have a thinner atmosphere.
b. It will have a thicker atmosphere.
c. Size will not affect the Earth’s atmosphere.
d. Both A and B are correct.
- How do volcanoes support life on Earth?
a. It helps in nutrient cycling.
b. It produces gas that cools the Earth.
c. It provides heat through magma release.
d. It changes the topography of the Earth’s crust.
- What will most likely happen if Earth is the first planet from the sun?
I. No atmosphere II. No liquid water III. No energy present
a. I and II
b. I and III
c. II and III
d. I, II and III
- An astronomer observed an Earth-sized like planet in a distant galaxy. Based on the data, the planet is at the same distance from its star, like Earth to its star – the sun. It is also covered with a thick atmosphere which is composed of carbon dioxide and shows no volcanic activity. What can you infer from these data?
a. The Earth-like planet is hot and nutrient cycling occurs.
b. The Earth-like planet is cold and nutrient cycling occurs.
c. The Earth-like planet is hot and no nutrient cycling occurs.
d. The Earth-like planet is cold and no nutrient cycling occurs.
Lesson 1: Characteristics of Earth that are Necessary to Support Life
Earth is the only planet known to cater life forms. This planet underwent massive change in the environment million years ago to enable living organisms to thrive and survive in it. From single simple microorganisms, Earth’s environment allowed these organisms to evolve into a more complex and diverse organisms.
What’s In
On your answer sheet, list down five important biological factors that you need in order to live. From your list, select the top three most important factors for you. Explain your answer.
Notes to the Teacher
As facilitator kindly asks the learner to share the insights, he/shehas gained during his/her exchange or consultation of experiences or ideas with his/her peers.
What’s New
Earth’s environment is conducive to different life forms. But what are the different characteristics of Earth that enable life to flourish on it? Let us discover the terms you are going to encounter as we go on this lesson.
4 Pics 1 Word is a guessing game which presents four pictures. Guess the specific word that fits the theme of the photos presented. You can use the letters given below as clues for your answer. Write your answer on your answer sheet.
[illustration: four pictures showing a “36°” sign, a person wearing a scarf, a person sweating, and two thermometers]
T __ __ P E __ __ T __ __ E
[illustration: four pictures showing a person drinking water, water droplets, stacked water containers, and water being poured into a glass]
_ A _ _ E R
[illustration: four pictures showing layers of the atmosphere, the Earth with its atmosphere, a cloud or dust scene, and a satellite orbiting Earth; the small printed labels on the first picture are [illegible]]
A _ M O _ P _ E _ E
[illustration: four pictures showing a power plant with smoke, power lines, wind turbines, and solar panels]
_ N _ R _ Y
[illustration: four pictures showing assorted foods, a food pyramid, and a plate with food]
N _ T _ I E _ _ S
What is It
CHARACTERISTICS OF EARTH NECESSARY TO SUPPORT LIFE
Earth has been existing 4.543 billion years. In its early formation, life was not possible because the environment did not permit it. However, as time went by, life flourished from microorganisms into a more complex organism. The presence of life on Earth was made possible due to the following factors:
Temperature. It influences how quickly atoms, molecules or organisms move. Low temperature slows down chemical reaction and produces ice that makes liquid water unavailable. High temperature can cause break down of important biological molecules.
In Earth’s condition, temperature is just right to support life.Water. It is one of the important ingredients in the different biological processes. Absence of this will interfere reactions necessary for life. However, solid form ofthis will also hinder living organisms to use it.
Water on Earth has different forms. It is solid (ice) in the two poles and liquid along the equator which allows living organisms to consume it.Atmosphere. It provides significant insulation or shielding from the sun and impact of small to medium size meteorites. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) trap heat and protects our planet from freezing. Moreover, ozone (O3) layer shields the Earth’s surface from harmful UV radiation. Atmosphere also provides chemicals needed for life, such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
The size of the planet and its distance from the sun affects its ability to hold significant amount of atmosphere. Earth has a right size and distance from the sun that permits it to have a right amount of atmosphere. The presence of gravity also helps in sustaining its atmosphere.Energy. Earth has available energy- rich sunlight to support life. Living organisms like plants and photosynthetic bacteria use light as the source of their energy. Some chemosynthetic organisms rely on chemical energy to support various biological processes.
Earth is at right position from the sun that enables it to harness enough amount of sunlight.
- Nutrients. It is an essential factor used to build and maintain organism’s body structure. Insufficient or absence of nutrients can impede synthesis of the different biological molecules.
In our planet, there are processes that recycle nutrients. Water, carbon and oxygen, phosphate and nitrogen cycles are some of the examples. Volcanism also helps in cycling the nutrients.
What’s More
Write T if the statement is correct but if it is false, change the underlined word or group of words to make the whole statement true. Write your answer on your answer sheet.
_____________1. Low temperature slows down chemical reactions among living organisms.
_____________2. Atmosphere provides chemicals needed for life.
_____________3. Gravity does not affect the Earth’s atmosphere.
_____________4. Water traps heat from the sun.
_____________5. Size and distance from the sun affect the planet’s ability to hold atmosphere.
_____________6. Absence of water interferes reactions necessary for life.
_____________7. Earth cannot provide enough amount of sunlight as source ofenergy of most organisms.
_____________8. Insufficient or absence of nutrients can hinder different biological processes.
_____________9. Volcanism helps in nutrient recycling.
_____________10. Atmosphere protects Earth from small to medium size meteorite impacts.
What I Have Learned
A. Complete the table by supplying the needed information on your answer sheet.
| Biological Factors | Illustration/ Picture (Draw or cut picture that is related to the biological factor.) | Based on your experience, answer the following questions briefly. |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Temperature | How does temperature affect the ability of a planet to support life? | |
| 2. Water | Why is liquid water important? | |
| 3. Atmosphere | What is the role of atmosphere in sustaining life on Earth? | |
| 4. Energy | How do living organisms harness energy? | |
| 5. Nutrients | How are nutrients recycled on Earth? |
B. Complete the table below by supplying the planet’s requirement for life to exists. Write this on your answer sheet.
| Factor | Planet’s Requirement for Life to Exists |
|---|---|
| 1. Temperature | |
| 2. Water | |
| 3. Atmosphere | |
| 4. Energy | |
| 5. Nutrients |
What I Can Do
From the concepts you have learned in this module, how are you going to assess the Earth’s condition to support life? Explain your answer on your answer sheet.
Temperature
Water
Atmosphere
Energy
Nutrients
Assessment
Multiple Choice. Read and analyze the following questions. Write the letter that best answers each question on your answer sheet.
What is the most important factor that determines Earth’s temperature?
a. Size of the orbit
b. Distance from the sun
c. Gas in the atmosphere
d. Amount of water on the planetWhich of the following is not a function of Earth’s atmosphere?
a. It provides energy.
b. It provides significant insulation.
c. It protects Earth from harmful radiation.
d. It gives protection against small to medium size meteoritesWhich of the following best describes a greenhouse gas?
a. It is a gas that traps heat.
b. It is a gas that releases heat from Earth.
c. It is a gas that shields Earth from radiation.
d. It is a gas that provides protection from space.An astronomer observed an Earth-sized like planet in a distant galaxy. Based on the data, the planet is at the same distance from its star, like Earth to its star-the sun. It is also covered with a thick atmosphere which is composed of carbon dioxide and shows no volcanic activity. What can you infer from these data?
a. The Earth-like planet is hot and nutrient cycling occurs.
b. The Earth-like planet is cold and nutrient cycling occurs.
c. The Earth-like planet is hot and no nutrient cycling occurs.
d. The Earth-like planet is cold and no nutrient cycling occurs.How does ozone layer support life on Earth?
a. by providing significant insulation
b. by providing energy needed by organisms
c. by protecting it from the sun’s harmful radiation
d. by giving protection against small to medium size meteoritesIf greenhouse gases will increase in Earth’s atmosphere, what will happen to its temperature?
a. Earth’s temperature will increase.
b. Earth’s temperature will decrease.
c. Earth’s temperature will become stable.
d. Earth’s temperature will not be affected.Ozone layer is one of the compositions of Earth’s atmosphere. What do you think will happen if the ozone layer completely depletes?
a. changes in weather
b. solar wind will pass through
c. penetration of ultraviolet radiation to Earth’s surface
d. meteors will freely get through the Earth’s atmosphereWhich of the following are not a function of Earth’s ozone layer?
I. It produces enough amount of rain.
II. It filters harmful UV radiation that reaches Earth.
III. It regulates the weather on Earth.
IV. It protects Earth from meteors and asteroids impact.
a. I, II and III
b. I, II and IV
c. I, III and IV
d. II, III and IVWhich of the following factors is essential for life to exist?
a. Liquid water
b. Nutrientsc. Temperature
d. All of the aboveHow does temperature affect the ability of Earth to support life?
a. Temperature intensifies gravity
b. Temperature produces nutrients
c. Temperature protects Earth from radiation
d. Temperature affects biological and chemical processesWhich of the following statement is TRUE?
a. Living organisms can harness energy from the sun.
b. All living organisms cannot survive without sunlight.
c. Living organisms cannot harness energy from chemical substances.
d. All of the above statements are true.Atmosphere plays vital role in planet’s ability to support life. Which of the following factors affects a planet’s ability to hold atmosphere?
a. orbital size
b. presence of volcano
c. distance from the sun
d. presence of liquid waterGiven its current position, if Earth is bigger than its size, how will you describe ats atmosphere?
a. It will have a thinner atmosphere
b. It will have a thicker atmosphere
c. Size will not affect the Earth’s atmosphere
d. Both A and B are correctHow do volcanoes support life on Earth?
a. It helps in nutrient cycling.
b. It produces gas that cools the Earth.
c. It provides heat through magma release.
d. It changes the topography of the Earth’s crust.What will most likely to happen if Earth is the first planet from the sun?
I. No atmosphere
II. No liquid water
III. No energy present
a. I and II
b. I and III
c. II and III
d. I, II and III
Additional Activities
Additional Activities
Design a terrarium or aquarium that explains why Earth can sustain life.
Answer Key
What I Know
- D
- D
- D
- A
- A
- C
- D
- B
- C
- A
- C
- A
- A
- A
- C
Assessment
- C
- A
- A
- C
- C
- A
- C
- C
- D
- D
- A
- C
- B
- A
- A
| Rubrics for Grading | Excellent 4pts | Very Good 3 pts | Good 2 pts | Poor 1pt. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biotic features of ecosystem Biotic = living at least 4/5 plans -plant life is striving based on the environment: watered, light, in the container, | ||||
| Ecosystem has at least 4/5 -Rock -Soil -Sand -Charcoal -Coffee Filters -Clear Container | ||||
| Care of Terrarium is evident -plants are being watered and groomed if necessary. | ||||
| Terrarium Design -plan was well thought out and drawn with a supplies list. |
Source: https://www.rcampus.com/rubricshowc.cfm?sp=yes&code=KX79A9
What’s More
- T
- T
- Does not affect
- Water
- T
- T
- cannot provide
- T
- T
- T
[transcriber’s note: the printed answer key places some answer words (for example “affects”, “Greenhouse gases/heat from the sun”, “is important in different biological processes”, “can provide”) in a split layout beside the item numbers; they are reproduced above in the order that reads as the item’s answer]
What’s New
- Temperature
- Water
- Atmosphere
- Energy
- Nutrients
References
Books:
Licuanan, P. Teaching guide for Senior High School: Earth Science. Quezon City: The Commission on Higher Education, 2016.
Edward, John et. Al Environmental Science Prentice hall, Teacher edition pp. 120-137, 2000.
Online Resources:
https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/our_place/hab_ref_table.pdf
https://www.rcampus.com/rubricshowc.cfm?sp=yes&code=KX79A95&
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education – Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)
Ground Floor, Bonifacio Bldg., DepEd Complex Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600
Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985
Email Address: blr.lrqad@deped.gov.ph * blr.lrpd@deped.gov.ph
Leave a Reply