1. My Trip through the Atmosphere Assignment: Compose a short story or poem that describes an imaginary trip through the atmosphere from the ground to outer space (or outer space back to the ground) For each layer, describe features: - structure - weather - characteristics - what can occur in each layer Explain what you are seeing in a creative, narrative. Include a drawing/diagram to go with you story/poem A diagram and summary of the layers have been included. Use your text book p 90-108, your notes, and internet sources to help. 30 points

2. Layers of the Earth's Atmosphere The atmosphere is divided into five layers. It is thickest near the surface and thins out with height until it eventually merges with space. 1) The troposphere is the first layer above the surface and contains half of the Earth's atmosphere. Weather occurs in this layer. 2) Many jet aircrafts fly in the stratosphere because it is very stable. Also, the ozone layer absorbs harmful rays from the Sun. 3) Meteors or rock fragments burn up in the mesosphere. 4) The thermosphere is a layer with auroras. It is also where the space shuttle orbits. 5) The atmosphere merges into space in the extremely thin exosphere. This is the upper limit of our atmosphere. http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/Atmosphere/layers.html

5. My Trip Through the Atmosphere Rubric Content8-105-70-4 Parts of the Atmosphere All parts of the atmosphere are described properly Most of the parts of the atmosphere are described properly None of the parts of the atmosphere are described properly Narrative Narrative captures the reader’s attention and makes them feel like they are taking the trip Narrative is complete and captures reader’s attention Narrative is incomplete and/or does not capture reader’s attention Picture/DiagramThe picture/diagram accurately represents all the layers of the atmosphere and ties into your story/poem The picture/diagram does not accurately represent all the layers of the atmosphere AND/OR The picture/diagram does not tie into your story/poem The picture/diagram does not represent the layers of the atmosphere and does not tie into your story/poem. Use these guidelines to complete your assignment Total ____/30 (homework grade)