Chapter 1 Notes Earth Science

1.1 What is Earth Science?

Earth Science is the study of the earth and the universe around it. It assumes that events and natural

phenomena can be discovered through observations and experimentation.

It depends on the technology avilable.

1.1 What is Earth Science?

Branches of Earth

Science

Geology Oceanography Meteorology Astronomy Environment

al Science

1.1 What is Earth Science?

Geology is the study of the origin, history, processes, and structure of the solid earth.

Oceanography is the study of the oceans. Examples- Waves, tides, ocean current

Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere, weather, and climate

1.1 What is Earth Science?

Astronomy is the study of the universe beyond Earth. The sun, moon, planets, and the

universe are studied with various technologies (oldest of all the studies)

Environmental Science is the study of how humans interact with their environment and the use of natural resources Pollution is included in this branch

1.1 What is Earth Science?

Earth science is important because it gives us knowledge about the state of Earth and universe in the past, present, and the future.

Earth makes life possible and Earth Science ensures that people have access to the resources while also finding new ways to use them more wisely.

1.2 Science as a Process

The Scientific Method is a guideline to scientific problem solving.

1.2 Science as a Process

1) Observation is the process of using senses to gather info and can lead to asking questions.

2) Forming a hypothesis, a possible explanation or solution to a problem, can get a scientist started

3) The hypothesis is tested through an experiment or observations using both independent variables and dependent variables.

4) Draw a conclusion from the tests and the hypothesis may be accepted or altered which may lead to further testing

1.2 Science as a Process

1. Closely Observe the physical world around you.

2. Recognize a question or a problem.

3. Make an educated guess—a hypothesis—to answer the question

4. Predict what will happen

5. Test your prediction

6. Draw Conclusions

1.2 Science as a Process

Standard Units Scientist use: Metric units (English), NOT Standard units (Imperial System) (US)

Metric Units include Kg, meters, liters etc

Standard Units include lbs, miles, gallons

Only three countries don’t use the metric system. Liberia (Africa), Myanmar(Asia), and

America

1.2 Science as a Process

Science Tools Accuracy-How close the data point is the

the actual true value. Precision- How close the data points are

to each other. ▪ Example- Target Board

Error- The variation in a set of measurements and can be represented by a confidence interval.

1.2 Science as a Process

Science Tools Peer Review- Reduces Bias-when other

experts from other fields test the validity of the experiment

Theory-if the conclusion holds and is accepted as true, that idea may form a theory.

1.2 Science as a Process

What are some examples of different theories?Big Bang TheoryString TheoryTheory of EvolutionTheory of Tectonic PlatesElectromagnetic Theory