What is Earth Science? Let’s Take a Look!

5 Major Areas. Astronomy. Meteorology. Geology. Oceanography 5 Major Areas *Astronomy * Meteorology * Geology *Oceanography *Environmental Science

Astronomy Studies the physics of the universe, including the physical properties of objects found in space. Includes astrophysics and planetary science.

Meteorology Studies patterns of weather over a long period of time and the chemistry of Earth’s atmosphere and the atmospheres of other planets. Includes climatology and atmospheric chemistry.

Geology Studies the remains of organisms that once lived on Earth and Earth’s composition and the processes that change it. It includes paleontology and geochemistry.

Oceanography Studies the physical characteristics of oceans, such as salinity, waves, and currents and the geological features of the ocean floor, including plate tectonics of the ocean. Includes physical geography and marine geology.

Environmental Science Studies the interactions between humans and the soil, such as the impact of farming practices; the effects of pollution on soil, plants, and groundwater. Also studies the chemical alterations to the environment through pollution and natural means. Includes environmental soil science and chemistry.

The Earth is divided into 4 main, interactive systems. Geosphere The Earth is divided into 4 main, interactive systems. *Geosphere *Atmosphere *Hydrosphere *Biosphere

The geosphere consists of the surface of the Earth all the way to the core. It is divided into 3 parts: crust, mantle, and core

The atmosphere consists of the blanket of air that surrounds the Earth The atmosphere consists of the blanket of air that surrounds the Earth. It is about 78% N and 21% O

All the water on Earth, including the water in the atmosphere makes up the hydrosphere. 97% is salt water 3% is fresh water

The biosphere includes all organisms on Earth as well as the environments in which they live.

As scientists investigate all these different systems, they use the scientific method, which is a series of problem-solving procedures that help scientists conduct experiments.

Scientists encounter problems everyday Scientists encounter problems everyday. So they conduct research then they form a hypothesis, which is a testable explanation of a situation that can be supported or disproved by careful procedures.

An experiment is classified as an organized procedure that involves making observations and measurements to test a hypothesis.

When experimenting, you should collect quantitative data (measurements) and qualitative data (observations).

In an experiment, there is one changeable factor called a variable In an experiment, there is one changeable factor called a variable. The independent variable is the factor that is changed by the experimenter. The dependent variable is the factor that is changed by the independent variable.

In an experiment, you also have constants and controls In an experiment, you also have constants and controls. Constants are things that do not change. A control is used to show that the results are a result of the condition being tested.

When taking measurements in an experiment, you should use the System International d’Unites of measurement. That is km, m, L

Mass is the amount of matter in an object. It is measured in grams Mass is the amount of matter in an object. It is measured in grams. Mass is the not the same as weight, which is the gravitational force on an object.

Density is the measure of the amount of matter that occupies a given space.

Scientific Notation is a type of shorthand used by scientists Scientific Notation is a type of shorthand used by scientists. It is based on powers of 10. 4 X 10 21

A scientific model is an idea, picture, or a mathematical expression that represents the concept being explained.

A scientific theory is an explanation based on many observations during repeated investigations. It can be changed or modified as new data is discovered.

A scientific law is a principle that describes behavior of a natural phenomenon. It is a rule of nature. The same results are observed every time. Ex: Newton’s Laws