Introduction to Earth Science Safety, Scientific Method, and Divisions of Earth Science Introduction to Earth Science

Safety Be Responsible! Follow all instructions carefully. Only touch equipment and materials AFTER you have been instructed to do so. Be Prepared. Keep your area clean and neat. Know what to do if there is an accident or emergency. If you don’t know, ASK!

Scientific Method Used when trying to find an answer to a question or a problem Can be formal or informal Steps vary depending on the question or problem

Scientific Method State the problem or question Research / Gather Information Develop Hypothesis (prediction) Experiment Data Collection (during experiment) Data Analysis Conclusion Repeat / Refine question Some steps may be omitted

Experimental Setup Procedure (Steps) must be able to be repeated. Experiment must identify the control, constants, and variables Control – No changes are made; baseline for comparison Constant – Variable that stays the same (no change) Variable – Changes (two types) INDEPENDENT – what you change DEPENDENT – change you observe

Data Two major categories of Data Qualitative (Quality) – descriptions in pictures or words Examples - blue, rough, shiny, rattles Quantitative (Quantity) – measurements in numbers and units; metric system Examples – 4 cm, 12 eggs, 2.3 L, 75 g

Conclusions Statement of findings or results Can lead to Scientific Laws and Theories Scientific Law – what - summary of observations that are repeated Ex. Gravity Scientific Theory – why or how - explanation of observations that is widely agreed upon Ex. Big Bang Theory

Earth Science – An Overview Study of anything involving the Earth or its neighbors in space 4 Divisions Meteorology – weather and climate Oceanography – water and oceans Geology – minerals, rocks, and soil Astronomy – moons, planets, and stars

Earth The Earth can be described as 4 distinct spheres. Atmosphere Biosphere Hydrosphere Geosphere All 4 spheres are connected. How would a volcanic eruption affect each of the four spheres?

Mapping the Earth Map – 2 dimensional representation of the Earth Globe – 3 dimensional representation of the Earth Types of Maps Road Political Geologic Topographic Etc.

Map Features Compass – direction Legend or Key – meaning of symbols Gridlines – location Latitude – Vertical (North-South) Longitude – Horizontal (West-East)