Observations and Inferences

Introduction to Earth Science Earth Science is the study of Earth and its position in the universe. This science can be broken down into four disciplines of study: ASTRONOMY: METEOROLOGY: OCEANOGRAPHY: GEOLOGY:

Observation vs. Inference An observation is --Scientists will use instruments to assist in the observations they make (Ex: telescope, spectroscope, barometer). An inference is --Often inferences may be incorrect and further observations may be necessary to make inferences more accurate.

Types of Observations Quantitative observations are Qualitative observations are Quantitative observations = Qualitative observations =

Observation vs. Inference OBSERVATIONS INFERENCES

Classification Classification is PLANETS JOVIAN PLANETS TERRESTRIAL PLANETS Planets with large diameters and low densities. Planets with small diameters and large densities.

Standard Unit of Measurement Measurement is Measurement Tool Standard Unit of Measurement Length: The distance between two points Meter stick, metric ruler, Trundle wheel meter, kilometer, centimeter, light-year Mass: The amount of matter in an object Triple-beam balance grams, kilograms Volume: The amount of space an object occupies. Graduated cylinder cm3 (cubic centimeters)

Percent Deviation Errors exist in our understanding of the Earth due to a number of factors: 1 2. Percent deviation is Percent deviation = difference from accepted value X 100 accepted value

Percent Deviation Marissa used a triple-beam balance improperly to obtain the mass of a rock sample. Marissa determined the mass to be 45.6g when the mass of the rock sample should have been 48g. What is the percent deviation? Percent deviation = difference from accepted value X 100 accepted value Percent deviation = Percent deviation = Percent deviation =