Sixth-grade science students have been studying the layers and composition of the atmosphere and soil to develop an understanding of how Earth’s systems support life both above and below the surface. Science students have been working to identify the five atmospheric layers—troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere—while exploring how temperature, air pressure, and weather patterns change with altitude. Before learning about the atmosphere, students were investigating soil layers (horizons), including topsoil, subsoil, and bedrock, to understand how soil forms and why topsoil is essential for plant growth. By examining the atmosphere’s gases and the structure of soil, students will recognize how these interconnected systems protect Earth, regulate climate, and provide the resources necessary for ecosystems and human life.
From Ground Up!
February 20, 2026