Yoga and Earth's Dynamic Systems: Finding Balance and Movement

Earth & Space Science Grades High School 23:45 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the interconnectedness of yoga principles and Earth's dynamic systems. This lesson uses a beginner's yoga video to illustrate concepts of balance, energy flow, and interconnectedness within Earth and space science.

Video Resource

Yoga For Complete Beginners - 20 Minute Home Yoga Workout!

Yoga With Adriene

Duration: 23:45
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Balance and Equilibrium
  • Energy Flow
  • Interconnectedness of Systems

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to explain the concept of equilibrium in both the human body (through yoga) and Earth systems.
  • Students will be able to describe how energy flows and transformations occur in both yoga and Earth systems.
  • Students will be able to identify and discuss the interconnectedness of different elements in yoga poses and Earth systems.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by introducing the concept of systems and how they are present in both our bodies and the natural world. Briefly discuss Earth systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, biosphere) and their interactions. Show the Yoga With Adriene video and explain that we will be drawing parallels between the yoga practice and Earth science concepts.
  • Yoga Practice (20 mins)
    Have students follow along with the Yoga With Adriene video. Encourage them to pay attention to their breath, balance, and the engagement of different muscle groups.
  • Discussion (15 mins)
    Lead a class discussion using the questions below. Facilitate the connection between yoga poses and Earth science principles.
  • Interactive Exercise (20 mins)
    Have students break into small groups and participate in the 'Systems Connection' exercise.
  • Wrap-up and Quiz (10 mins)
    Summarize the key concepts discussed and administer the multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank quizzes to assess understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Systems Connection
    Divide students into small groups. Assign each group an Earth system (atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, biosphere). Have them brainstorm yoga poses that relate to their assigned Earth system. For example: Mountain pose (Tadasana) relates to the geosphere (grounded, strong, stable). Cat-Cow pose relates to the atmosphere (inhaling and exhaling represents the movement of air). Each group will then explain their connections to the class. Students will participate in a mindful breathing exercise. They will breathe in and out while thinking of the flow of oxygen and the carbon cycle.

Discussion Questions

  • How does the concept of balance apply to both yoga and Earth's systems (e.g., carbon cycle)?
  • Where do you see movement or transformation of energy, both physical and internal, in yoga and Earth's processes?
  • In what ways do the yoga poses you experienced today illustrate the interconnectedness of different body parts, similar to how Earth's systems are interconnected?
  • How can understanding your body's response to yoga inform your understanding of how earth systems respond to changes?

Skills Developed

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Systems Thinking
  • Interdisciplinary Connection

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which concept from the yoga video best relates to equilibrium in Earth systems?

Correct Answer: Balance

Question 2:

In Earth systems, what is the primary source of energy?

Correct Answer: Solar radiation

Question 3:

Which Earth system is most closely related to the breath in yoga?

Correct Answer: Atmosphere

Question 4:

What is the scientific term for the interconnected web of relationships between organisms and their environment?

Correct Answer: Ecosystem

Question 5:

Which of the following best illustrates the balance between the geosphere and the atmosphere?

Correct Answer: Planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide.

Question 6:

What concept discussed in the video directly parallels the importance of stabilizing interconnected parts?

Correct Answer: Proper Alignment

Question 7:

Which component of the Earth system regulates temperature and weather patterns?

Correct Answer: Atmosphere

Question 8:

During 'cat-cow' pose, the curvature of the spine relates to which large-scale earth process?

Correct Answer: Plate Tectonics

Question 9:

Tadasana, the mountain pose, focuses on...

Correct Answer: Connecting to the Earth

Question 10:

When we talk about finding integrity and alignment, what is the Earth Science equivalent?

Correct Answer: Ecological Balance

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The flow of energy from the sun to the Earth is called ________ radiation.

Correct Answer: solar

Question 2:

The Earth system that includes all living things is called the ________.

Correct Answer: biosphere

Question 3:

A state of dynamic ________ is achieved when inputs and outputs in a system are equal.

Correct Answer: equilibrium

Question 4:

The cycling of water through the Earth's systems is known as the ________ cycle.

Correct Answer: hydrologic

Question 5:

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth is called the ________.

Correct Answer: atmosphere

Question 6:

Yoga focuses on _________, which can be related to energy transfer on Earth.

Correct Answer: breath

Question 7:

Like balancing in Tree Pose, healthy ecosystems require stable _________.

Correct Answer: balance

Question 8:

Downward-facing dog helps connect the ________ and the ________, which can remind us of Earth's atmosphere.

Correct Answer: hands, feet

Question 9:

_________ systems are constantly exchanging and re-purposing mass and energy, very much like our bodies.

Correct Answer: Earth

Question 10:

In yoga, we try to improve our posture and ___________, in science the closest analogy would be ecological or geologic harmony.

Correct Answer: alignment

Educational Standards

ES.ESS2.2:[Standard] Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth’s surface can create feedbacks and interactions that cause changes to other Earth’s systems. ES.ESS2.4:[Standard] Analyze and interpret data to explore how variations in the flow of energy into and out of Earth’s systems causes changes to the atmosphere and climate.

Teaching Materials

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