Tuesday August 21, 2018 (Introduction to Earth/Space Science; Begin Activity – TRTW What is Earth Science?)

What is meant by the term “Earth/Space Science?” The Launch Pad Tuesday, 8/21/18 What is meant by the term “Earth/Space Science?” Earth Science is the study of the Earth and its neighbors in space. It is an exciting science with many interesting and practical applications. Some Earth scientists use their knowledge of the Earth to locate and develop energy and mineral resources, while others study the impact of human activity on Earth's environment and design methods to protect the planet. Some use their knowledge about Earth processes such as volcanoes, earthquakes and hurricanes to plan communities that will not expose people to these dangerous events. 

Announcements I hope to have the spiral notebooks that you will use as your science binder available by tomorrow!

F1 F2 Today 8/20 Friday Tomorrow Last Day Accepted Assignment Currently Open Summative or Formative # Date Issued Gone Missing Day Last Day Accepted Science Class Information Sheet F1 8/20 Today Friday Flinn Scientifics' Lab Safety Contract F2 Tomorrow Next Monday

Video Introduction to Earth Science https://youtu.be/T20RT0GgOB4

People and the Environment An environment surrounds and influences organisms . The physical environment encompasses water, air, soil, and rock. The term “environmental” is usually reserved for those aspects that focus on the relationships between people and the natural environment . Resources Resources are an important focus of the Earth sciences. Resources include water, soil, minerals, and energy. Two broad categories of resources: Renewable – can be replenished (examples include solar, water, and wind energy. Non-renewable – cannot be replenished (examples include fossil fuels) Renewable resources can become nonrenewable through misuse.

Improper Use of Natural Resources Madagascar’s unique biodiversity is facing numerous threats, but deforestation is among the most serious. Small-scale but widespread clearance of vegetation, primarily for slash and burn agriculture and for firewood and charcoal production, is the main cause of forest destruction and degradation. As Madagascar's forests continue to be cut, all that remains is a red trail that runs down the rivers into the sea. Soil erosion, which corresponds to the loss of topsoil, is leaving the land naked and unfit for agriculture. Downstream, increased sediment loads are silting estuaries and smothering sensitive marine habitats. As a result, marine species lose their habitat. Farmers and fishermen lose their source of income. Deforestation also increases greenhouse gas emissions. In your SLC, discuss what you would do to solve this problem, if you think it can be solved.

People and the Environment Population The population of the planet is growing rapidly. The rate of mineral and energy usage has climbed more rapidly than the overall growth of population. Environmental Problems Natural hazards Earthquakes and tsunamis Volcanoes and Landslides Floods Hurricanes and tornadoes World population pressures Human-induced and accentuated Urban air pollution Acid rain (> pH of oceans) Ozone depletion Global warming (> CO2 conc.) www.worldometers.info/world-population/

Earth and Space Science Earth and Space Science encompasses all sciences that seek to understand Earth and Earth’s place in space. Earth and Space Science includes: Cosmology – the study of the universe Geology – the study of the solid components of Earth. Hydrology – a study of the water component of Earth. Atmospheric Studies - the study of Earth’s atmosphere and the processes that produce weather and determine climate. Turn to your elbow partner and share ideas on which of the above topics you are most interested in, and why.

Please read and annotate the article titled “What is Earth Science.” Begin TRTW Activity Please read and annotate the article titled “What is Earth Science.”