AQA new specification-Our evolving atmosphere-C13.2

C13-The Earth’s atmosphere-Our evolving atmosphere lesson created in accordance to the NEW AQA Specification (9-1). Designed for a mixed ability year 11 separates class, although content can be adjusted to suit any ability. Includes: slide animations, embedded videos, and homework with answers as well as a interactive review task. If for any reason the video link does not work, a URL has also been included in the notes.

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AQA spec link: 4.9.1.1, 2, 4

AQA spec link:

For 200 million years, the proportions of different gases in the atmosphere have been much the same as they are today:
• about four-fifths (approximately 80%) nitrogen
• about one-fifth (approximately 20%) oxygen
• small proportions of various other gases, including carbon dioxide, water vapour, and noble gases.

Volcanoes also produced nitrogen which gradually built up in the atmosphere and there may have been small proportions of methane and ammonia.

Algae and plants decreased the percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by photosynthesis.
Carbon dioxide was also decreased by the formation of sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels that contain carbon.
Students should be able to:
• describe the main changes in the atmosphere over time and some of the likely causes of these changes
• describe and explain the formation of deposits of limestone, coal, crude oil, and natural gas.