Scientific Method 1) Observation 2) Hypothesis (educated guess) - must be testable 3) Experiment - test hypothesis - controlled experiment (tests 1 variable) - collect data (info) 4) Conclusion - Is the hypothesis correct? * Theory- well tested & supported hypothesis *

Branches of Earth Science Geology - study of the Earth(rocks, minerals, formations) - looks at physical & historical(past) - includes Geosphere - solid parts of Earth Ex.- core, crust, mantle

Oceanography - study of sea water, sea floor & marine life - includes Hydrosphere - water parts of the Earth (salt & fresh) Meteorology - study of the Atmosphere (air) - includes gas layer & weather Astronomy - study of the universe - includes planets, stars, asteroids, etc.

Determining Location on Earth Most scientists use: Latitude- distance north & south of the equator Longitude- distance east & west of the prime meridian

Flat Maps - flat maps distort Earth’s features Types 1) Mercator - rectangular grid map - good for directions - size & shapes are distorted

2) Robinson Projection - shows more spherical map of Earth - shows distance, size & shapes accurately - most widely used

3) Conic Projection - displays small areas of Earth - good for road & weather maps

4) Gnomonic Projection - map made from a single point projection - useful to sailors for short distances

Topographic Maps - shows elevation of the land - contour lines – displays elevation points on a map - contour interval – differences in elevation between 2 points Ex.- close lines = steep slope distant lines = gradual slope

Topographic Map