English National Curriculum - Science Science

3. Describe the composition of the atmosphere

Mission Objectives

State the five layers of the atmosphere

Describe the composition of the air

Compare the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere with other planets in our solar system

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Rocket Words Quiz

See if you know all the meanings of the rocket words

Assessment Quiz

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Word Search Game

Find all the rocket words in the grid

Lesson Resources

Lesson Plan

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

exosphere

the outermost region of a planet's atmosphere

mesosphere

the region of the Earth's atmosphere above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere, between about 50 and 80km in altitude

troposphere

the lowest region of the atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface to a height of about 6–10 km (the lower boundary of the stratosphere)

thermosphere

the region of the atmosphere above the mesosphere and below the height at which the atmosphere ceases to have the properties of a continuous medium

stratosphere

the layer of the Earth's atmosphere above the troposphere, extending to about 50km above the Earth's surface (the lower boundary of the mesosphere)

This lesson has been written by

Dr Shannon Weldon

Shannon started her journey with Developing Experts by completing PHD placement while studying for her Doctorate in Developmental Biology at the University of East Anglia. Shannon has since joined the team full-time as a Project Manager working with the company's industry partners. Shannon knows a lot about chickens!

Alison Green

Alison is a qualified secondary chemistry teacher and former scientist, seamlessly blending her background in scientific development with a passion for education. With over 15 years of teaching experience across state and independent schools, including most recently at Stafford Grammar School, Alison specialises in equipping students with the tools to excel in Chemistry at KS3, GCSE and A-levels. Her transition to online education, backed by a Master’s degree, has spurred her transition to freelance content creation and chemistry tutoring, tapping into a wealth of examining experience spanning over ten years to steer students towards their desired academic and professional paths.

When she's not shaping young minds, Alison unwinds by exploring the natural beauty of the Shropshire hills and embracing the tranquillity of Tai Chi, mirroring the balance she instils in her educational endeavours.

Katie Barrie


Katie is the Chief Operating Officer at DE, which means she oversees HR, finance and our business model. After studying Drama at Exeter University, Katie spent three years as a primary teacher, before relocating to Norfolk and joining Developing Experts. 

In her spare time, Katie likes to sing with Norwich Harmony barbershop chorus and has recently formed a quartet. Katie loves cooking and spending time with her husband, Bryan and dog, Bertie. She has an endearing laugh, which has to be heard to be believed. Many of us see Katie as the office 'Mum', she gives great hugs and keeps our spirits up.  

Contact: [email protected]  

Required Resources

Resources: The handout, a protractor, a sharp pencil and a ruler. 

Core Handout: An ‘Atmospheres of the solar system’ worksheet. An information page detailing the atmospheres of various planets is included, as well as support and challenge tasks. 

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