The atmosphere, weather and climate change
The layers of the atmosphere, weather and climate, the greenhouse effect, climate change and air pollution. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.
Know it already? Jump straight to the quiz
The atmosphere
| Layer | What happens there |
|---|---|
| Troposphere (lowest) | We live here; weather and clouds |
| Stratosphere | The ozone layer absorbs UV rays |
| Higher layers | The air gets very thin; meteors burn up |
Plants take in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. CFCs, once used in fridges and sprays, damaged the ozone layer.
Climate change
- Extra carbon dioxide comes from burning fuels and cutting forests.
- Effects: more extreme droughts, storms and floods; farmers get less reliable rainfall.
- Sea level rises: ice on land melts and warmer water expands.
- Help: use renewable energy such as solar and wind, which add very little CO₂; plant trees; walk or use public transport.
Air pollution
Air pollution is harmful gases and particles in the air. Smog is a haze of smoke and fumes; it makes asthma and other breathing illnesses worse. Acid rain forms when fuel gases dissolve in rain.
Remember this and test yourself
- Gravity holds the atmosphere around the Earth; air is mostly nitrogen, and about 21% oxygen.
- We live in the troposphere, where weather happens; the ozone layer in the stratosphere absorbs harmful UV.
- Weather is daily; climate is the long-term pattern. Barometer: air pressure. Anemometer: wind speed.
- The greenhouse effect: gases trap heat; extra CO₂ from burning fuels and cut forests causes global warming.
- The ozone hole and global warming are separate problems; CFCs damaged the ozone layer.
Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.
Weather = your mood today. Climate = your personality. Greenhouse gases = a blanket that is too thick.
Important words
First say what the word means, then turn the card over.
Match column A to column B
Tap a word in column A, then its meaning in column B. You can also start in column B.
True or false?
Read the question and the answer. Is the answer right? Tap True or False.
Now the real quiz!
The quiz has many more questions on this topic. Every question shows straight away whether you are right and explains why.
Take the quiz: The atmosphere, weather and climate change- Read one part together and ask your child to tell it back in their own words.
- The ticks (“I know this”) are saved on this device only. We never ask for names or emails.
Follows CAPS for Grade 7 Natural Sciences. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.