EOM: Earth and Life

Join Ethan and Charlotte on an interstellar adventure! In a distant solar system, the habitable zone is between 240 and 300 million kilometers (km) away from the star. Which of these planets could be the perfect spot for life to thrive?

• Planet W

• Planet X

• Planet Y

• Planet Z

Answer explanation

Planet Y is located within the habitable zone of 240 to 300 million kilometers from the star, making it a suitable candidate for life to thrive, unlike the other planets.

Join Lily, Samuel, and Benjamin on an interstellar adventure as they explore the universe in search of new planets that could support life like Earth! A new planet that supports life would be expected to have all of the following characteristics EXCEPT–

• a gaseous atmosphere.

• an orbiting moon.

• liquid water.

• protection from radiation.

Answer explanation

An orbiting moon is not a necessary characteristic for a planet to support life. While it can influence conditions, a planet can still sustain life without having a moon, unlike the other options which are essential.

Imagine Anika, Aria, and Luna are on a mission to explore Earth’s atmosphere! They discover water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These greenhouse gases are crucial because they–

• are substances animals need to breathe.

• trap thermal energy in the atmosphere.

• protect against magnetic particles.

• create Earth’s gravitational field.

Answer explanation

Greenhouse gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide trap thermal energy in the atmosphere, which helps regulate Earth's temperature and maintain a stable climate.

Emma and David are on a space adventure, exploring the planets in our solar system! They come across a fascinating table comparing Earth with other planets. Can you help them figure out why Earth is unique among its cosmic neighbors?

• Earth has a moon.

• Earth orbits the Sun.

• Earth has mountains.

• Earth has liquid water.

Answer explanation

Earth is unique because it has liquid water, which is essential for life as we know it. While other planets may have moons, orbit the Sun, or have mountains, none are known to have stable bodies of liquid water like Earth.

Imagine you're on a mission with Zoe, Maya, and Noah to save the planet! The ozone layer, our protective shield, is being attacked by sneaky chemicals creating holes in it. If these chemicals keep increasing, what do you think will happen to living creatures on Earth?

• A. have a difficult time breathing.

• B. experience colder temperatures.

• C. be exposed to more ultraviolet radiation.

• D. run out of drinking water.

Answer explanation

If the ozone layer is damaged, more ultraviolet radiation will reach Earth. This can harm living creatures, leading to increased health risks like skin cancer and weakened immune systems, making option C the correct choice.

Imagine you're on a cosmic adventure with Daniel, Abigail, and Anika, exploring the inner planets! Which of these statements best explains why Earth is the only inner planet that supports life?

• A. The other planets are too close to the Sun.

• B. The other planets do not contain liquid water.

• C. The other planets have too much mass.

• D. The other planets do not have an atmosphere.

• E. The other atmospheres do not contain oxygen.

Answer explanation

Earth supports life primarily because it has liquid water and an atmosphere rich in oxygen, which are essential for life. Other inner planets lack these critical elements, making them inhospitable.

Hey Earth Explorers! Nora, Kai, and Benjamin are on a mission to identify some cool characteristics of our planet. Can you help them match the descriptions in the table below with the correct names? Write your answers in the boxes provided. Let’s see who can become the ultimate Earth expert!

• Atmosphere: Layer of gas, Held in place by gravity, Surrounds a planet Composition: What Earth is made up of, Can be represented by a percentage Proximity: Distance, Closeness, Vicinity, Can be measured Ozone: Found in Earth’s atmosphere, Traps greenhouse gases, Absorbs ultraviolet radiation

• Gravity: Force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth, Responsible for weight, Keeps atmosphere in place Rotation: Spinning of Earth on its axis, Causes day and night, Takes 24 hours Magnetosphere: Region around Earth controlled by its magnetic field, Protects from solar wind, Causes auroras Crust: Outermost layer of Earth, Solid rock, Includes continents and ocean floors

Answer explanation

The correct matches are based on definitions: Atmosphere is a gas layer held by gravity, Composition refers to Earth's materials, Proximity indicates closeness, and Ozone is in the atmosphere, trapping gases and absorbing UV radiation.

Hey space explorers! Join Nora and Liam on a cosmic adventure as they explore Jupiter’s moon, Europa. Check out the Venn diagram they found. All of the following characteristics of Europa are conditions that make it suitable for supporting life EXCEPT–

• A. water on the surface.

• B. average temperature of -162°C.

• C. gravity on the surface.

• D. oxygen in the atmosphere.

Answer explanation

Europa lacks a significant atmosphere, including oxygen, which is essential for most known life forms. While water, low temperatures, and gravity are present, the absence of oxygen makes it unsuitable for supporting life.

Hey space explorers! Nora and Charlotte are on a mission to find out what makes a celestial body habitable. Check out the Venn diagram above. Which statement best explains the answer to Part A?

• In order for a celestial body to be habitable, it must have a hospitable surface temperature, which correlates with its proximity to the Sun.

• An atmosphere that contains oxygen is the only requirement for a celestial body to be habitable.

• A celestial body must contain water, a gaseous atmosphere, and a high temperature in order for it to be habitable.

• A celestial body does not have to have a gravitational pull on its surface in order to sustain life.

Answer explanation

The correct choice emphasizes that a hospitable surface temperature is essential for habitability, which is influenced by a celestial body's distance from the Sun, making it a key factor in sustaining life.

Imagine you're on a quest with Harper, Noah, and Abigail to discover the secrets of our planet! How many magical characteristics does Earth possess that allow it to maintain the perfect temperature for life to thrive?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

Answer explanation

Earth has three magical characteristics that help maintain a perfect temperature for life: its distance from the sun, the presence of water, and its atmosphere. These factors create a stable environment for living organisms.