Layers of the Atmosphere

This Montessori Layers of the Atmosphere wooden puzzle is a hands-on learning tool that helps children explore Earth's atmospheric layers. 

It measures 20 cm x 15 cm.

Troposphere: (Closest to Earth’s surface): 

The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, where we live and where all weather occurs. It contains most of the air and supports life. As altitude increases, the temperature decreases. 

Ozone Layer: 

The ozone layer is located within the Stratosphere, approximately 15 to 35 kilometers above Earth's surface. It plays a critical role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UV-B and UV-C rays, which can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and other health problems, as well as harm marine ecosystems and plants.

Stratosphere: 

The stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere, located above the troposphere. It contains the ozone layer, which protects Earth by absorbing harmful UV rays from the Sun. This is also where airplanes fly because the air is more stable. Unlike the troposphere, the temperature increases with altitude.

Mesosphere: 

The mesosphere is the middle layer of the atmosphere and the coldest. It is where meteors burn up, creating shooting stars. This layer helps protect Earth from space debris.

Karman Line:

The Karman Line marks the boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space, located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) above Earth's surface. You could add this as a dotted line or thin strip above the Exosphere in the puzzle, labeled "Kármán Line," to indicate where Earth's atmosphere transitions into space.

Thermosphere: 

This layer is where the temperature rises significantly with altitude. It might also be where the Auroras (Northern and Southern Lights) occur.

Exosphere: 

This layer remains the outermost, where particles move into space. It’s the transition zone into outer space.