1. Introduction to Earth Science
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2. What is science? A way of learning about the natural world
The knowledge gained through that learning process
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3. Skills scientists use Observing Inferring Predicting
Using your senses to gather information
Inferring
Explaining or interpreting observations
Based on reasoning, but not always right
Predicting
Making a forecast of what will happen
Based on past experience or evidence
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4. Scientific Attitudes Habits of successful scientists Curiosity Honesty
Open-mindedness
Skepticism
Creativity
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5. Hypothesis Possible explanation for a set of observations
Must be testable
Must be based on past experience
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6. Controlled experiment
Tests hypothesis under strict conditions
Only one thing can change or be different in the experiment
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7. Variable
What changes during an experiment
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8. Manipulated variable What the scientist changes
Also called the independent variable
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9. Responding variable Changes because of the manipulated variable
Measured by the scientist
Also called dependent variable
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10. Data Facts, figures, and other evidence gathered by observation
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11. Scientific theory
Well-tested scientific concept that explains a lot of observations
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12. Scientific law
Describes what is expected to happen every time under a particular set of conditions
Has been repeatedly tested and found to be true
Doesn’t explain, just provides pattern
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13. Discuss What is science? Explain three skills that scientists use.
How do scientific theories differ from scientific laws?
Can you make an inference without having made any observations?
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14. Earth Science The study of Earth and of the universe around it
Assumes that the causes of natural events, or phenomena, can be discovered through careful observations and experimentation
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15. System Group of parts that work together as a whole
A change in one part affects the other parts
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16. Structure of the Earth System
Atmosphere
Mixture of gases that surround Earth
Hydrosphere
Oceans, lakes, rivers, and ice
Lithosphere
Earth’s solid, rocky outer layer
Biosphere
All living things in air, in ocean, on land, beneath land surface
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17. Energy The ability to do work or cause change
Constantly moves from one part of Earth’s system to another
Matter does this too
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18. Constructive forces
Shape Earth’s surface by building mountains and landmasses
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19. Destructive forces
Shape Earth’s surface by wearing away mountains and other structures
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20. Branches of Earth Science
Geology
Oceanography
Meteorology
Astronomy
Environmental Science
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21. Geology
Study of origin, history, processes, and structure of the solid Earth
Explore Earth’s crust for resources like coal, oil, and natural gas
Study forces within Earth to predict earthquakes and volcanic activity
Study fossils to learn about the past
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22. Oceanography Study of the Earth’s oceans (cover ¾ of Earth’s surface)
Work on research ships
Study waves, tides and ocean currents
Explore the ocean floor to research history or find mineral deposits
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23. Meteorology Study of the Earth’s atmosphere
Use satellites, radar, and other technology to study atmospheric conditions that produce weather
Weather observers measure wind speed, temperature, rainfall, etc. to make weather maps
Use weather maps, satellite images, and computer models to forecast weather
Study climate – weather patterns over long periods of time
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24. Astronomy Study of the universe beyond Earth
One of the oldest branches of Earth Science
Ancient Babylonians charted positions of stars and planets years ago
Use Earth- and space-based telescopes, rovers, and space probes to study the sun, the moon, the solar system, and the universe.
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25. Environmental Science
Study the ways in which humans interact with their environment
Newest branch of Earth Science
Study use of natural resources, pollution, and the health of plant and animal species
Study the effects of industries and technologies on the environment
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26. Model Something that represents a system or a concept
Helps people study and understand something that is complex or that can’t be observed directly
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27. Types of models Physical – 3D models that can be touched
Graphical – maps, charts, etc.
Conceptual – verbal or graphical
Represent how a system works or is organized
Mathematical – equations that represent systems or processes
Computer – represent simple or complex processes or systems
Can be used to perform experiments
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28. Discuss What are the main ideas of Earth science?
What are the five branches of Earth science?
Why are models useful in Earth science?
What type of Earth scientist would probably study the effects of human activities on coral reefs? Explain.
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29. Technology Improves the way people live
How people change the world to meet their needs or to solve problems
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30. Science and technology
Studies natural world
Done by scientists
Technology
Changes the natural world
Done by engineers
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31. Technology throughout history
Tools
Stone, then metal
Spears, axes, spades
More stable food supply
Machines
Larger food supply grown
Communications
Global sharing of information
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32. Discuss What is technology?
Compare and contrast science and technology.
What effect does a new technology have on society?
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