Earth Science Chapter 11 Introduction to Earth Science.

Earth Science Chapter 1 1

Introduction to Earth Science


What is science?

• A way of learning about the natural world• The knowledge gained through that learning

process


Skills scientists use

• Observing• 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


Scientific Attitudes

• Habits of successful scientists• Curiosity• Honesty• Open-mindedness• Skepticism• Creativity


Hypothesis

• Possible explanation for a set of observations

• Must be testable• Must be based on past experience


Controlled experiment

• Tests hypothesis under strict conditions• Only one thing can change or be different in

the experiment


Variable

• What changes during an experiment


Manipulated variable

• What the scientist changes• Also called the independent variable


Responding variable

• Changes because of the manipulated variable

• Measured by the scientist• Also called dependent variable


Data

• Facts, figures, and other evidence gathered by observation


Scientific theory

• Well-tested scientific concept that explains a lot of observations


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


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?


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


System

• Group of parts that work together as a whole

• A change in one part affects the other parts


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


Energy

• The ability to do work or cause change• Constantly moves from one part of Earth’s

system to another• Matter does this too


Constructive forces

• Shape Earth’s surface by building mountains and landmasses


Destructive forces

• Shape Earth’s surface by wearing away mountains and other structures


Branches of Earth Science

• Geology• Oceanography• Meteorology• Astronomy• Environmental Science


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


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


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


Astronomy

• Study of the universe beyond Earth• One of the oldest branches of Earth Science

• Ancient Babylonians charted positions of stars and planets 4 000 years ago

• Use Earth- and space-based telescopes, rovers, and space probes to study the sun, the moon, the solar system, and the universe.


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


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


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


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.


Technology

• Improves the way people live• How people change the world to meet their

needs or to solve problems


Science and technology

• Science• Studies natural world• Done by scientists

• Technology• Changes the natural world• Done by engineers


Technology throughout history

• Tools• Stone, then metal• Spears, axes, spades

• More stable food supply

• Machines• Larger food supply grown

• Communications• Global sharing of information


Discuss

• What is technology?• Compare and contrast science and

technology.• What effect does a new technology have on

society?

Earth Science Chapter 11 Introduction to Earth Science.

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Transcript of Earth Science Chapter 11 Introduction to Earth Science.