What is Earth Science?

Definition of Science: What is science? Definition of Science: Science means having knowledge. Science is a process of observing and studying things in our world. Science is a process that enables us to understand our world. Every time you try to find out how and why things look and act the way they do, you are acting as a scientist.

Collecting Scientific knowledge: People have always relied on their senses to make observations about the world. Today we have instruments which enable us to make observations we were unable to make in the past. We also use instruments to help us collect, store, and analyze information. As a result, we are learning more information faster than ever before because of all the new inventions which have allowed us to make so many new discoveries.

Science can be divided into four general areas: 1. Chemistry The Major Sciences: Science can be divided into four general areas: 1. Chemistry 2. Physics 3. Life Science 4. Earth Science * These four general topics do overlap

Chemistry as it relates to Earth Science: We will learn basic concepts of matter when we study rocks and minerals. Physics as it relates to Earth Science: Basic concepts of physics are involved in the motions of Earth and the moon and in the formation of stars. Life Science as it relates to Earth Science: Organisms have an important role in Earth’s history and the environment.

Definition of Earth Science: Earth Science is the scientific study of Earth and the universe around it. This includes, but is not limited to, studying the transfer of energy throughout Earth’s systems; the evolution of landforms; patterns of change throughout Earth; the scale and structure of stars; and the interactions which occur among the water, atmosphere, and land.

5. Scientific Inquiry/Method Five specific areas of study in Earth Science: 1. Geology 2. Meteorology 3. Astronomy 4. Oceanography 5. Scientific Inquiry/Method

Definition of Geology: Geology is the scientific study of the origin, history, and structure of Earth and the processes that shape Earth. Geologists do many things to further our understanding of Earth. This includes, but is not limited to, searching for important mineral resources, trying to predict volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, studying fossils and glacial movements to learn more about Earth’s past and potential future.

Definition of Meteorology: Meteorology is the scientific study of Earth’s atmosphere, especially in relation to weather and climate. A meteorologists is a scientist who studies weather patterns in order to predict the daily weather. While other meteorologists study climate, the patterns of weather over a long period of time.

Definition of Astronomy: Astronomy is the scientific study of the universe, including objects in space like stars, planets, and comets. Astronomers study space objects looking for evidence about the beginning of the universe. This also helps us to understand the Earth’s origins.

Definition of Oceanography: Oceanography is the study of the ocean, including the properties and movements of ocean water, the characteristics of the ocean floor, and the organisms that live there. Oceanographers conduct research on the physical and chemical properties of the ocean water. They also study the processes that occur within the ocean and the effects humans have on these processes.

Definition of Scientific Inquiry/Methods: Scientific inquiry is a series of problem solving procedures used by scientists. Scientific methods are not a set of sequential steps that scientists always follow. Rather, these methods are guidelines to scientific problem solving.