Chapter 1 - Introduction Earth Science Chapter 1 - Introduction

Earth Science Study of the Earth and the universe around it 4 Branches of Earth science Geology Oceanography Meteorology Astronomy

Geology Study of the origin, history, processes, and structure of the solid Earth

Oceanography Study of the Earth’s oceans

Meteorology Study of Earth’s atmosphere Especially related to weather and climate

Astronomy Study of the universe beyond Earth

Environmental Science Relatively new addition to the field of Earth Science Study includes use of natural resources, pollution, and health of plant & animal species on Earth Effect of industries and technologies on the environment

The Scientific Method A series of logical steps to follow in order to solve a problem

Steps to the Scientific Method Make Observations – state the problem Form a Hypothesis – educated guess Do Experiments – means of testing a hypothesis Develop Theory – full explanation of observations More Experiments – modify theory

Theory vs Law What’s the difference Thoroughly tested EXPLANATION OF WHY experiments give certain results Must be able to prove it wrong Scientific Law Concise statement that summarizes the results of observations and experiments NO explanation of why

Experiment Terms Variable – factor affecting an experiment. Change 1 variable at a time Independent variable – factor being tested Dependent variable – factor measured to see impact of independent variable Control – standard for comparison Constant – factors that do not change in the experiment

Scientific Measurement Use International System of Units (SI system) Always error associated with measurements - limited by accuracy of measuring device 7.2 cm? 7.3 cm? Error

Scientific Measurement Accuracy How close a measurement is to the true value of the thing being measured Precision Exactness of measurement Ability to repeat a measurement

Accuracy and Precision Low accuracy High Precision Moderate accuracy and precision High Accuracy High Precision

Peer Review Experts review each other’s work before publication of results Reduces personal bias Research worth publishing? Suggest improvements or point out flaws Ethical standards Way to police science

Nature of Science Science is… An attempt to explain natural phenomena Tentative Based on observations, evidence, arguments, & skepticism Involves creativity Part of social and cultural traditions Affected by social norms and history

Nature of Science There is no one way to do science Laws and theories play different roles in science All cultures contribute to the body of scientific knowledge Science involves accurate record keeping, peer review, & is repeatable Science & technology impact each other