Let's Investigate!

Just like our solar system is made up of different planets and the human body is made up of different body parts, there are systems all around us that are made up smaller parts that work together! In addition to these systems, there are lots of other systems that impact us daily. Earth is actually made up of four systems: the atmosphere or Earth's air, the hydrosphere or Earth's water, the geosphere or Earth's rocky surface, and biosphere or Earth's living things. These four systems help Earth function as a great home to living things! All of these systems are impacted by the Sun’s energy in the form of light and heat. Without the Sun’s energy, none of these systems would be able to function and support the Earth! I wonder though, are areas of Earth's surface affected differently by the Sun's energy? For example, walking across the asphalt blacktop during recess feels much warmer than walking across the grassy field! If all these surfaces are a part of Earth's systems, why would they have different temperatures? Let's investigate to find out!