Earth As A System and The Nature of Science Chapter 1 Chapter 2

Views of the Earth Past Perceptions –Myths and legends –We were the center of the universe (all important) –Perceptions based on observation

Rise of the System Five major systems that encompass earth science: 1. Geosphere (land) 2. Atmosphere(weather) 3. Biosphere (living things) 4. Cryosphere (ice) 5. Hydrosphere (water) All five work together

Continue… A system –Group of related objects or components that interact to create a whole Types of Systems: –Open (water cycle) –Closed (submarine) *The difference between an open and closed system is in an open system matter and energy can move with the surroundings. *In a closed system energy can move but matter cannot move.

Nature, Science, Human… Humans have realized that they impact the world and have led to important changes Not easy to balance human needs/wants with what is best for nature. Understanding the issues and making the decisions about them require an understanding of the earth sciences.

Branches of Science Biology: the study of living organisms and their function Chemistry: the study of properties and composition of matter Physics: the study of forces, motion, and energy and its affect on matter Earth Science: the name for all the science that collectively seek to understand the earth and it neighbors in space. GEOSCIENCE PHYSICS CHEMISTRY BIOLOGY

OMEGA The five parts of earth science Each interacts with the others Each a specialty OMEGA: acronym for Oceanography, Meteorology, Ecology/ Environmental, Geology, and Astronomy

Four Spheres The only planet to sustain life due so because of the interaction of the spheres –Atmosphere –Biosphere –Geosphere/Lithosphere –Hydrosphere

WATER CYCLE Water cycle continuously moves water from the surface to the atmosphere

Energy Cycle Energy Cycle shows the continual movement of all energy between the earth and sun and between the spheres themselves

Carbon CYCLE Carbon Cycle is the “biogeochemic al” movement of the element carbon throughout the spheres.

The Scientist’s Mind Coming from varied backgrounds, scientist share a commonality: of observing the world and solving problems

Different Lives; Common Goals: Carl Sagan Enriqueta Barrera Evan B. Forde

Qualities of Scientific Thinking Asking questions Observant Prediction of results Hypothesis/Theory/Law Technology

Methods of Inquiry Scientific Method –State the Problem –Research the problem –Hypothesis –Experiment –Analyze Results –Draw Conclusion

Peer Review Experiment are continually judge for accuracy; research technique and for non-biased information

Control: A standard of comparison; does not change. Variable: 2 types –Independent: The variable that is being tested –Dependent: The results of the change.

HYPOTHESIS: an educated guess THEORY: a tested, educated guess SCIENTIFIC LAW: a proven, tested, educated guess All this testing for….

ACCURACY: is an estimate (all darts close to the center of the target) PRECISION: us correct but not close (all darts are near the bottom but not near the center of the target) What’s the difference? Its close enough!!

Scientists’ Tools Computers Satellites Telescopes Hammer/chisel Eyes/ears Pencil Your Brain!