Earth and Environmental Science – The Nature of Science Chapter 1 How do we use science to study the Earth? What tools do we use? How do we share our

Earth and Environmental Science – Earth and Environmental Science – The Nature of ScienceThe Nature of ScienceChapter 1Chapter 1

How do we use science to study the How do we use science to study the Earth?Earth?

What tools do we use?What tools do we use?

How do we share our findings?How do we share our findings?

What are the major fields of Earth What are the major fields of Earth Science?Science?

InferenceRead the following story and then indicate your response to each of the statements Read the following story and then indicate your response to each of the statements

printed below the story.printed below the story.A business man had just turned off the lights in the store when a man appeared A business man had just turned off the lights in the store when a man appeared

and demanded money. The owner opened the cash register. The contents of and demanded money. The owner opened the cash register. The contents of the cash register were scooped up and the man sped away. A member of the cash register were scooped up and the man sped away. A member of the police force was notified promptly.the police force was notified promptly.

Indicate your response to each of the following statements, by checking "True" if you Indicate your response to each of the following statements, by checking "True" if you believe it to be true, "False" if you believe it to be false, and "???" if you cannot believe it to be true, "False" if you believe it to be false, and "???" if you cannot determine whether it is true or false.determine whether it is true or false.

True False ???True False ???1.1. _____ A man appeared after the owner had turned off the store lights._____ A man appeared after the owner had turned off the store lights.2.2. _____ A man received cash._____ A man received cash.3.3. _____ The robber was a man._____ The robber was a man.4.4. _____ The man who opened the cash register was the owner._____ The man who opened the cash register was the owner.5.5. _____ The store owner scooped up the contents of the cash register._____ The store owner scooped up the contents of the cash register.6.6. _____ Someone opened a cash register._____ Someone opened a cash register.7.7. _____ The cash register was empty when the owner opened it._____ The cash register was empty when the owner opened it.8.8. _____ After the man scooped up the contents of the cash register, he ran away._____ After the man scooped up the contents of the cash register, he ran away.

Inference handout

DirectionsDirectionsTo unlock the secrets of Science, ALL that is needed is curiosity, a well-ordered or logical mind, To unlock the secrets of Science, ALL that is needed is curiosity, a well-ordered or logical mind,

patience, patience, ABILITY TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONSABILITY TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS, a respect for safety while dealing with , a respect for safety while dealing with equipment and chemicals, and (last, but not least) a knowledge of elementary mathematics.equipment and chemicals, and (last, but not least) a knowledge of elementary mathematics.

FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS EXERCISEFOLLOWING DIRECTIONS EXERCISE

The answer to each question is The answer to each question is yeyes. If you cannot answer yes, go back and redo the previous step s. If you cannot answer yes, go back and redo the previous step or steps.or steps.

1.1. Obtain a square sheet of paper.Obtain a square sheet of paper.

2.2. Fold the paper diagonally.Fold the paper diagonally.

3.3. Position the triangle on the desk with the long side facing you.Position the triangle on the desk with the long side facing you.

4.4. From left t o right, 1abe1 the corners A, From left t o right, 1abe1 the corners A, B, C.B, C.

5.5. Fold point C along edge AB, so that the top edge of the fold is parallel to the base of the original Fold point C along edge AB, so that the top edge of the fold is parallel to the base of the original triangle. Do you see three triangles?triangle. Do you see three triangles?

6.6. From left to right, label the corners of the triangle you just made D, E, F.From left to right, label the corners of the triangle you just made D, E, F.

7.7. Fold A to point F. Do you see four triangles? If not, Go back two steps.Fold A to point F. Do you see four triangles? If not, Go back two steps.

8.8. Fold a single layer of side B down in front as far as it will go.Fold a single layer of side B down in front as far as it will go.

9.9. Turn facedown the side with E showing.Turn facedown the side with E showing.

10.10. Fold the flap, which is now showing, as far down as it w ill go.Fold the flap, which is now showing, as far down as it w ill go.

11.11. Fill the CUP with water. Is it watertight? If it leaks, get a new piece of paper and go back to Fill the CUP with water. Is it watertight? If it leaks, get a new piece of paper and go back to step 1.step 1.

Essential Questions / ObjectivesEssential Questions / Objectives• What What are theare the four major branches of Earth four major branches of Earth

science?science?• Contrast Contrast the four systems of Earth.the four systems of Earth.• DiscussDiscuss how Earth science affects your daily life. how Earth science affects your daily life.

– astronomy astronomy – meteorologymeteorology– geologygeology– oceanographyoceanography– lithospherelithosphere

– asthenosphereasthenosphere– hydrospherehydrosphere– atmosphereatmosphere– biosphere biosphere

VocabularyVocabulary

Scope of Earth Science Handout

Includes 4 major fields

Earth Science

Astronomy GeologyMeteorology Oceanography

The The Scope of Scope of Earth Earth ScienceScience

• The field of Earth Science can be broken into four major areas of The field of Earth Science can be broken into four major areas of specialization: astronomy, meteorology, geology, and specialization: astronomy, meteorology, geology, and oceanography.oceanography.

AstronomyAstronomy– AstronomyAstronomy is the study of objects beyond is the study of objects beyond

Earth’s atmosphere.Earth’s atmosphere.

– Astronomers study the universe and Astronomers study the universe and everything in it, including Earth, its everything in it, including Earth, its neighbors, and other bodies in the neighbors, and other bodies in the universe.universe.

How does our position in the solar system influence life on Earth?

The The Scope Scope of Earth of Earth ScienceScience

MeteorologyMeteorology

– MeteorologyMeteorology is the branch of Earth science that studies the air that is the branch of Earth science that studies the air that surrounds our planet.surrounds our planet.

– Meteorologists study the forces and Meteorologists study the forces and processes that cause the atmosphere to processes that cause the atmosphere to change to produce weather. change to produce weather.

– They also try to predict the weather and They also try to predict the weather and how changes in weather might affect how changes in weather might affect Earth’s climate. Earth’s climate.

An introduction to weather and climate


Earth Science


The The Scope Scope of Earth of Earth ScienceScience

GeologyGeology – Geology Geology is the study of the materials is the study of the materials

that make up Earth and the processes that make up Earth and the processes that form and change these materials.that form and change these materials.

– Geologists identify rocks, study glacial Geologists identify rocks, study glacial movements, interpret clues to Earth’s movements, interpret clues to Earth’s 4.6 billion-year history, and determine 4.6 billion-year history, and determine how forces change our planet, among how forces change our planet, among many other things.many other things.

Why Study Geology? The Dynamic EarthWhy Study Geology? The Dynamic Earth


Earth Science



Earth Science


The Scope of Earth Science

Oceanography – Oceanography is the study of Earth’s

oceans, which cover nearly three-fourths of the planet.

– Oceanographers study the creatures that inhabit salty water, measure different physical and chemical properties of the oceans, and observe various processes in these bodies of water. Why study the oceans?

The Scope of Earth ScienceThe Scope of Earth ScienceTable 1-1 Some Subspecialties of Earth ScienceTable 1-1 Some Subspecialties of Earth Science

PaleontologyPaleontology Remains of organisms that once lived Remains of organisms that once lived on Earth; ancient environmentson Earth; ancient environments

Patterns of weather over a long period Patterns of weather over a long period of time; effects of human activities on of time; effects of human activities on weather and climateweather and climate

ClimatologyClimatology

HydrologyHydrology Water flow on and below Earth’s Water flow on and below Earth’s surface; sources of and solutions to surface; sources of and solutions to water pollutionwater pollution

SubspecialtySubspecialty Subjects StudiedSubjects Studied

TectonicsTectonics Effects of internal processes on Earth’s Effects of internal processes on Earth’s surface, including earthquakes and surface, including earthquakes and mountain buildingmountain building

GeochemistryGeochemistry Earth’s composition and the processes Earth’s composition and the processes that change itthat change it

The Scope of Earth ScienceThe Scope of Earth ScienceTable 1-1 Some Subspecialties of Earth ScienceTable 1-1 Some Subspecialties of Earth Science

SubspecialtySubspecialty Subjects StudiedSubjects Studied

EcologyEcology Habitats of organisms and how Habitats of organisms and how organisms interact with each other and organisms interact with each other and their environmentstheir environments


Earth Science


Where do the following subspecialties fit in the four major branches of Where do the following subspecialties fit in the four major branches of Earth Science?Earth Science?

EcologyEcology

GeochemistryGeochemistry

TectonicTectonic

HydrologyHydrology

PaleontologyPaleontology


CosmologyCosmology

Where do the following subspecialties fit in the four major branches of Where do the following subspecialties fit in the four major branches of Earth Science?Earth Science?

EcologyEcology

GeochemistryGeochemistry

TectonicTectonic

HydrologyHydrology

PaleontologyPaleontology


CosmologyCosmology

Earth Science

AstronomyAstronomy Meteorology Geology Oceanography

Major Major branches branches in Earth in Earth ScienceScience

SubspecialtiesSubspecialties

Earth’s SystemsEarth’s Systems

• Scientists who study Earth have Scientists who study Earth have identified four main Earth identified four main Earth systems: the lithosphere, the systems: the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, hydrosphere, the atmosphere, and the biosphere.and the biosphere.

The LithosphereThe Lithosphere

– Earth’s Earth’s lithospherelithosphere is the rigid is the rigid outer shell of the planet and outer shell of the planet and includes the crust and the solid, includes the crust and the solid, uppermost part of the layer uppermost part of the layer

below the crust, the mantle.below the crust, the mantle. – There are two kinds of crust: There are two kinds of crust:

continental crust, continental crust, made mostly of made mostly of granitegranite, and , and oceanic crust which is oceanic crust which is primarily primarily basaltbasalt. .

Earth Systems handout

Earth’s SystemsEarth’s Systems

The LithosphereThe Lithosphere

– Some of Earth’s upper Some of Earth’s upper mantle behaves like a rigid mantle behaves like a rigid solid while other parts of solid while other parts of this layer are partially this layer are partially molten and flow like a soft molten and flow like a soft plastic. plastic.

– Beneath Earth’s mantle is the Beneath Earth’s mantle is the core, which can be divided into core, which can be divided into two parts: an outer, liquid part two parts: an outer, liquid part and a solid, inner part. and a solid, inner part.

– Earth’s core and Earth’s core and asthenosphere are not parts of asthenosphere are not parts of the lithosphere but they do the lithosphere but they do interact with it.interact with it.

– This partially molten layer of This partially molten layer of the mantle is the the mantle is the asthenosphereasthenosphere..

Earth’s Systems

The Hydrosphere

– The hydrosphere consists of the water in Earth’s oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and glaciers, as well as the water in the atmosphere.

– About 97 percent of Earth’s water exists as salt water; the remaining 3 percent is freshwater contained in glaciers, in lakes and rivers, and beneath Earth’s surface as groundwater.

Earth’s Systems

The Atmosphere

– The atmosphere is the blanket of gases that surrounds our planet.

– Earth’s atmosphere is necessary for respiration by most living things, protects Earth’s inhabitants from harmful radiation from the Sun, and helps to keep the planet at a temperature suitable for life.

Earth’s Systems

The Biosphere

– The biosphere includes all organisms on Earth as well as the environments in which they live.

– With some exceptions, most organisms exist within a few meters of Earth’s surface.

Earth Science in Your Everyday Life

• You and the billions of other life-forms that live on Earth are part of the biosphere.

– The study of science, including Earth science, has led to the discovery of many things that you use every day.

– This application of scientific discoveries is called technology.

– Technology is transferable, which means that it can be applied to new situations.

Technology Remote Sensing

White Board Section Assessment

1. Match the following terms with their definitions.___ geology

___ oceanography

___ meteorology

___ astronomy

Earth Science

A. the study of objects beyond Earth’s atmosphere

B. the study of the air that surrounds Earth

C. the study of the materials that make up Earth and the processes that form and change these materials

D. the study of Earth’s oceans

C

D

B

A

http://www.earthgeu.com/

_____________ Earthquakes along the San Andreas fault

_____________ Effects of climatic change on dinosaurs

_____________ Water flow into the Ogallala aquifer

_____________ The effects of logging on the Spotted Owl

_____________ Long term weather patterns in New England

Section Assessment

2. Which subspecialties of Earth science would apply to the following subjects?

Earth Science

Tectonics

Paleontology

Hydrology

Ecology

Climatology


______ The asthenosphere is part of the lithosphere.

______ You are part of the biosphere.

______ Less than 5% of Earth’s water is fresh water.

______ The Earth’s biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere are independent systems.

Section Assessment

3. Identify whether the following statements are true or false.

Earth Science

false

true

true

false


Essential Questions / Objectives

• What are the steps used in a scientific method.

• Compare and contrast experimental variables and controls.

• Identify basic SI units.• Explain how to write numbers using scientific notation.

– hypothesis – independent

variable– dependent

variable

– control– Le Système International

d’Unités (SI)– scientific notation

Vocabulary

The Nature of Scientific Investigations

Experimentation

– A hypothesis is tested by conducting an experiment, which is an organized procedure that involves making measurements and observations.

– A good scientific experiment tests only one variable, or changeable factor, at a time.

• The independent variable (manipulated) in an experiment is the factor that is manipulated by the experimenter.

– A control is used to show that the results of an experiment are a result of the condition being tested.

• A dependent variable (responding) is a factor that can change if the independent variable is changed.

• Once the problem is defined and research is complete, a hypothesis, or

suggested explanation for an observation, is made.

The Nature of Scientific Investigations

Designing an Experiment

State the Problem

Form a Hypothesis

Set Up a Controlled Experiment

Record Results

Analyze Results

Draw a Conclusion

Publish Results

Scientific MethodScientific Method

Scientific Method Activity

Smithers thinks that a special juice will Smithers thinks that a special juice will increase the productivity of workers. He increase the productivity of workers. He creates two groups of 50 workers each and creates two groups of 50 workers each and assigns each group the same task (in this assigns each group the same task (in this case, they're supposed to staple a set of case, they're supposed to staple a set of papers). Group A is given the special juice to papers). Group A is given the special juice to drink while they work. Group B is not given drink while they work. Group B is not given the special juice. After an hour, Smithers the special juice. After an hour, Smithers counts how many stacks of papers each counts how many stacks of papers each group has made. Group A made 1,587 group has made. Group A made 1,587 stacks, Group B made 2,113 stacks.stacks, Group B made 2,113 stacks.

1.1. Control GroupControl Group

2.2. Independent Variable (Independent Variable (manipulated variablemanipulated variable))

3.3. Dependent Variable (Dependent Variable (responding variableresponding variable))

4.4. What should Smithers' conclusion be?What should Smithers' conclusion be?

5.5. How could this experiment be improved?How could this experiment be improved?

Homer notices that his shower is covered in a Homer notices that his shower is covered in a strange green slime. His friend Barney tells strange green slime. His friend Barney tells him that coconut juice will get rid of the green him that coconut juice will get rid of the green slime. Homer decides to check this this out slime. Homer decides to check this this out by spraying half of the shower with coconut by spraying half of the shower with coconut juice. He sprays the other half of the shower juice. He sprays the other half of the shower with water. After 3 days of "treatment" there with water. After 3 days of "treatment" there is no change in the appearance of the green is no change in the appearance of the green slime on either side of the shower. slime on either side of the shower.

6.6. What was the initial observation?What was the initial observation?

7.7. Identify the Control GroupIdentify the Control Group

8.8. Independent VariableIndependent Variable

9.9. Dependent VariableDependent Variable

10.10. What should Homer's conclusion be?What should Homer's conclusion be?

Bart believes that mice exposed to microwaves Bart believes that mice exposed to microwaves will become extra strong (maybe he's been will become extra strong (maybe he's been reading too much Radioactive Man). He decides reading too much Radioactive Man). He decides to perform this experiment by placing 10 mice in a to perform this experiment by placing 10 mice in a microwave for 10 seconds. He compared these 10 microwave for 10 seconds. He compared these 10 mice to another 10 mice that had not been mice to another 10 mice that had not been exposed. His test consisted of a heavy block of exposed. His test consisted of a heavy block of wood that blocked the mouse food. he found that wood that blocked the mouse food. he found that 8 out of 10 of the microwaved mice were able to 8 out of 10 of the microwaved mice were able to push the block away. 7 out of 10 of the non-push the block away. 7 out of 10 of the non-microwaved mice were able to do the same.microwaved mice were able to do the same. Identify the-Identify the-

11. Control Group11. Control Group

12. Independent Variable12. Independent Variable

13. Dependent Variable13. Dependent Variable

14. What should Bart's conclusion be?14. What should Bart's conclusion be?

15. How could Bart's experiment be improved?15. How could Bart's experiment be improved?

Krusty was told that a certain itching powder was Krusty was told that a certain itching powder was the newest best thing on the market, it even claims the newest best thing on the market, it even claims to cause 50% longer lasting itches. Interested in this to cause 50% longer lasting itches. Interested in this product, he buys the itching powder and compares it product, he buys the itching powder and compares it to his usual product. One test subject (A) is to his usual product. One test subject (A) is sprinkled with the original itching powder, and sprinkled with the original itching powder, and another test subject (B) was sprinkled with the another test subject (B) was sprinkled with the Experimental itching powder. Subject A reported Experimental itching powder. Subject A reported having itches for 30 minutes. Subject B reported to having itches for 30 minutes. Subject B reported to have itches for 45 minutes. have itches for 45 minutes.

Identify the-Identify the-16. Control Group16. Control Group

17. Independent Variable17. Independent Variable

18. Dependent Variable18. Dependent Variable

19. Explain whether the data supports the advertisements claims about 19. Explain whether the data supports the advertisements claims about its product.its product.

Lisa is working on a science project. Her task is to Lisa is working on a science project. Her task is to answer the question: "Does Rogooti (which is a answer the question: "Does Rogooti (which is a commercial hair product) affect the speed of hair commercial hair product) affect the speed of hair growth". Her family is willing to volunteer for the growth". Her family is willing to volunteer for the experiment. experiment.

20. Describe how Lisa would perform this experiment. Identify the 20. Describe how Lisa would perform this experiment. Identify the control group, and the independent and dependent variables in your control group, and the independent and dependent variables in your description. description.

Measurement

• Most scientific studies and experiments use a standard system of metric units called Le Système International d’Unités, or SI for short.

• SI is a modern version of the metric system based on a decimal system that uses the number 10 as the base unit.

Length

– The standard SI unit to measure length is the meter (m).

– The meter is divided into 100 equal parts called centimeters (cm).

– The centimeter is divided into 10 equal parts called millimeters (mm).

– Long distances are measured in kilometers (km) which is 1,000 m.

Weight and MassWeight is a measure of the gravitational force on an object. –Weight varies with location depending on gravitational force.–Weight is a force, and the SI unit for force is the newton (N). –Mass is the amount of matter in an object. –The mass of an object, unlike weight, does not change with an object’s position.

Introduction to Measurement

MeasurementMeasurement

Area and VolumeArea and Volume

Methods of Scientists

– Area is the amount of surface included within a set of boundaries Area is the amount of surface included within a set of boundaries and is expressed in square units of length, such as square meters and is expressed in square units of length, such as square meters (m(m22).).

– The amount of space occupied by an object is the object’s volume.The amount of space occupied by an object is the object’s volume.

• The SI units for volume are derived from the SI units used to The SI units for volume are derived from the SI units used to measure length. measure length.

• The basic SI unit of volume for a regularly shaped, solid object The basic SI unit of volume for a regularly shaped, solid object is the cubic meter (mis the cubic meter (m33). ).

• SI measurements for liquid volumes are usually made in SI measurements for liquid volumes are usually made in

milliliters (mL) or liters (L).milliliters (mL) or liters (L).

Measurement Activity

MeasurementMeasurement

DensityDensity

Methods of ScientistsMethods of Scientists

– Density is a measure of the Density is a measure of the amount of matter that occupies a amount of matter that occupies a given space. given space.

– Density is calculated by dividing Density is calculated by dividing the mass of the matter by its the mass of the matter by its volume.volume.

TimeTime– Time is the interval between Time is the interval between

two events and is usually two events and is usually measured with a watch or measured with a watch or clock. clock.

– The SI unit of time is the The SI unit of time is the second (s).second (s).

TemperatureTemperature

– Temperature is a measure of the average vibrations of the particles Temperature is a measure of the average vibrations of the particles that make up a material.that make up a material.

– A mass made up of particles that vibrate quickly has a higher A mass made up of particles that vibrate quickly has a higher temperature than a mass whose particles vibrate more slowly. temperature than a mass whose particles vibrate more slowly.

– Temperature is measured in degrees with a thermometer.Temperature is measured in degrees with a thermometer.

• In science, temperature is often measured on the In science, temperature is often measured on the Celsius (C)Celsius (C) scale. scale.

• In SI, temperature is measured on the In SI, temperature is measured on the Kelvin (K)Kelvin (K) scale. scale.

Scientific NotationScientific Notation

• To express numbers that are very large or small, scientists use a type of To express numbers that are very large or small, scientists use a type of shorthand called shorthand called scientific notationscientific notation to express the number as a to express the number as a multiplier and a power of 10.multiplier and a power of 10.

– In scientific notation, a number is expressed as a value between 1 and In scientific notation, a number is expressed as a value between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of 10. 10 multiplied by a power of 10.

– The power of 10 is the number of places the decimal point must be The power of 10 is the number of places the decimal point must be shifted so that only a single digit remains either to the left or right of the shifted so that only a single digit remains either to the left or right of the decimal point. decimal point.

5 974 200 000 000 000 000 000 000 =5 974 200 000 000 000 000 000 000 =

0.0000000001 =0.0000000001 =

For example:For example:

90 000 000 000 =90 000 000 000 =

– If the decimal point must be shifted to the left, the exponent of 10 is positive.If the decimal point must be shifted to the left, the exponent of 10 is positive.

– If the decimal point in a number must be shifted to the right, then the If the decimal point in a number must be shifted to the right, then the exponent of 10 is negative.exponent of 10 is negative.

9 X 109 X 101010

5.9742 X 105.9742 X 102424

1 X 101 X 10-10 -10

Methods of ScientistsMethods of Scientists

Quantification of Environmental Problems

Section Assessment

1. Match the following terms with their definitions.

___ hypothesis

___ independent variable

___ dependent variable

___ control


A. factor in an experiment that can change if the factor that is manipulated by the experimenter is changed

B. factor that is manipulated by the experimenter in an experiment

C. standard for comparison in an experiment

D. suggested explanation for an observation often stated in the form of a question that can be answered by the results of an experiment

D

B

A

C


Section Assessment


2. Match the following SI units with the type of measurement.

___ Second (s)

___ Kelvin (K)

___ Newton (N)

___ Meter (m)

___ Kilogram (kg)

A. mass

B. length

C. weight

D. time

E. temperature

D

E

C

B

A


96,000,000,000 _____________

0.000037 _____________

7,234,000 _____________

0.001 _____________

5,284,200,000,000 _____________

Section Assessment

3. Express the following numbers in scientific notation.


9.6 X 1010

3.7 X 10-5

7.234 X 106

1 X 10-3

5.2842 X 1012


Objectives• List several ways in which scientific information is

communicated.

• Differentiate between a scientific theory and a scientific law.

– theory

– law

Vocabulary

Communicating in Science


Communicating Results• One important goal of science is to make results

available to others.


• Communicating scientific data and results allows others to learn of new discoveries, to possibly verify what has been reported, and to conduct new experiments using the information.


Communicating Results

Lab Reports


– Throughout this course, you will conduct many Earth science experiments and activities.

– During and after each activity or experiment, you will be asked to record and analyze the information that you collected and to draw conclusions based on your data.

– Your resulting lab report, similar to the one on the right, will be used to assess your understanding of the activity or experiment.


Communicating Results

Graphs


– A line graph is a visual display that shows how two variables are related.

– The independent variable is plotted on the horizontal (x) axis.

– The dependent variable is plotted on the vertical (y) axis.

x axis

y axis


Analyzing and Presenting DataAnalyzing and Presenting Data

Y Axis – Dependent Y Axis – Dependent Responding Variable Responding Variable

X Axis – Independent X Axis – Independent Manipulated Manipulated VariableVariable

All graphs should include the All graphs should include the following:following:

TitleTitleUnitsUnitsLabelsLabelsEven spacingEven spacing

The Line GraphThe Line Graph - -This kind of graph This kind of graph shows the relationship between two shows the relationship between two kinds of data in which the independent kinds of data in which the independent variable is continuous. variable is continuous.

The Bar GraphThe Bar Graph -Bar graphs are used -Bar graphs are used when there is no continuity from one when there is no continuity from one piece of data to the next.piece of data to the next.

Making graphs

Models

• A scientific model is an idea, a system, or a mathematical A scientific model is an idea, a system, or a mathematical expression that is similar to the idea being explained.expression that is similar to the idea being explained.

– While a model might not have all of the components of a given idea, it should be a fairly accurate representation.

– Models can change when more data is gathered.

Introduction to Environmental Modeling

InputsInputs Flows (throughputs)Flows (throughputs)

Stores (storage areas)Stores (storage areas) OutputsOutputs

Scientists project the behavior of complex systems by developing a model of its inputs, throughputs (flows), and outputs of matter, energy, and information

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONModeling is a tool to simulate or recreate Modeling is a tool to simulate or recreate reality. An environment model is a tool reality. An environment model is a tool specifically designed to simulate or specifically designed to simulate or recreate the environment or, more recreate the environment or, more specifically, an environmental system. It is specifically, an environmental system. It is often easier and less expensive to work often easier and less expensive to work with models compared to the actual with models compared to the actual system. However, models are valuable system. However, models are valuable only if they are properly constructed and only if they are properly constructed and are fed good data; the popular saying are fed good data; the popular saying "garbage in garbage out" applies to "garbage in garbage out" applies to modelingmodeling

Introduction to Environmental ModelingIntroduction to Environmental Modeling

Models are generally of two types: static and dynamic. Models are generally of two types: static and dynamic. StaticStatic models are used to understand models are used to understand the behavior of a system at rest. Economists use static models extensively. the behavior of a system at rest. Economists use static models extensively. DynamicDynamic models models allow us to examine a system over time and are used by environmental scientists to examine allow us to examine a system over time and are used by environmental scientists to examine changes to an ecosystem. Models have changes to an ecosystem. Models have three basic componentsthree basic components: : 1) the underlying science, 2) 1) the underlying science, 2) a mathematical representation of the science, and 3) a solution of the mathematics.a mathematical representation of the science, and 3) a solution of the mathematics.This Problem Set provides you with the opportunity to explain the basic concepts of modeling This Problem Set provides you with the opportunity to explain the basic concepts of modeling and use a model to make determinations about an environmental system. It should help you and use a model to make determinations about an environmental system. It should help you be able to describe several major challenges facing environmental regulators.be able to describe several major challenges facing environmental regulators.

The Copper Brothers Manufacturing Company is The Copper Brothers Manufacturing Company is located on the western shore of Valley Pond as shown located on the western shore of Valley Pond as shown in Figure P13.2,in Figure P13.2,

Environmental Modeling (Continued)Environmental Modeling (Continued)

Based on the information below, you will be modeling the level of a particular contaminant in a Based on the information below, you will be modeling the level of a particular contaminant in a pond and answering a series of questions based on use of the model.pond and answering a series of questions based on use of the model.

Scenario:Scenario:

• • The pond's volume is 4 x I0The pond's volume is 4 x I077 m m33 of water. of water.

• • The average flow-through rate is 8 X l0The average flow-through rate is 8 X l044 m m33/day. That is: (1) the inflow from Little Valley /day. That is: (1) the inflow from Little Valley Stream, (2) the water being discharged from the company into the pond, and (3) feeder springs Stream, (2) the water being discharged from the company into the pond, and (3) feeder springs collectively equal the volume of the outflow in Big Valley Stream (i.e., inflows = outflow) at 8 X collectively equal the volume of the outflow in Big Valley Stream (i.e., inflows = outflow) at 8 X 101044 m m33/day./day.

• • The company produces decorative copper art by chemically etching the copper with strong The company produces decorative copper art by chemically etching the copper with strong sulfuric acid.sulfuric acid.

• • The plant has a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by The plant has a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the state under the Clean Water Act. The NPDES permit allows the plant to discharge 0.16 the state under the Clean Water Act. The NPDES permit allows the plant to discharge 0.16 tonnes (metric tons) of copper sulfate per day. The plant has an exemplary record of permit tonnes (metric tons) of copper sulfate per day. The plant has an exemplary record of permit compliance. Currently, 25 people are employed at Copper Brothers. The company is the compliance. Currently, 25 people are employed at Copper Brothers. The company is the primary employment base for the town of Valley View.primary employment base for the town of Valley View.

• • A family purchased a small camp on the eastern shore of Valley Pond. Over the summer, on A family purchased a small camp on the eastern shore of Valley Pond. Over the summer, on numerous occasions, they observed dead fish in their tiny cove near Big Valley Stream. They numerous occasions, they observed dead fish in their tiny cove near Big Valley Stream. They contacted the State Water Quality Division to file a formal complaint against Copper Brothers.contacted the State Water Quality Division to file a formal complaint against Copper Brothers.

Environmental Modeling (Continued)Environmental Modeling (Continued)

We need to calculate the steady-state level of copper sulfate in Valley Pond to determine if We need to calculate the steady-state level of copper sulfate in Valley Pond to determine if there is too much in the pond. (That is, how much copper sulfate is in the pond given inflows, there is too much in the pond. (That is, how much copper sulfate is in the pond given inflows, outflows, and copper sulfate discharges?) Although the plant is in compliance with their outflows, and copper sulfate discharges?) Although the plant is in compliance with their permit, the level of copper sulfate may be too high, biologically, for certain fish species permit, the level of copper sulfate may be too high, biologically, for certain fish species because in the pond, it may be increasing, but it also may be decreasing. This is a function of because in the pond, it may be increasing, but it also may be decreasing. This is a function of the accumulation of copper over time.the accumulation of copper over time.

The rate at which copper sulfate is added to the lake is known (0.16 tonnes—metric tons per The rate at which copper sulfate is added to the lake is known (0.16 tonnes—metric tons per day). So, to calculate the steady-state stock of the pollutant, we need to know its residence day). So, to calculate the steady-state stock of the pollutant, we need to know its residence time in the pond.time in the pond.

We will assume that the pollutant is uniformly mixed in the pond and is highly water-soluble. We will assume that the pollutant is uniformly mixed in the pond and is highly water-soluble. (As with all models, certain assumptions must be made.) Thus, the residence time of the (As with all models, certain assumptions must be made.) Thus, the residence time of the pollutant is equal to the residence time of the pond water. We can calculate the residence time pollutant is equal to the residence time of the pond water. We can calculate the residence time of the water as:of the water as:

Residence time: Residence time: TTww = = MMWW/F/FWW

TTww = residence time of water in the pond = residence time of water in the pond

MMww = stock of water: the pond volume = stock of water: the pond volume

FFww = = average, daily flow through rate of the average, daily flow through rate of the

waterwater

Steady stock: Steady stock: SSCSCS = F = FCSCS*T*TCSCS

SScscs = steady-state stock of copper sulfate = steady-state stock of copper sulfate

FFcscs= daily discharge amount of copper sulfate= daily discharge amount of copper sulfate

TTcscs = residence time of the copper sulfate = residence time of the copper sulfate

(see T(see Tww))concentration of the copper sulfate in the water Ccs = Scs / Mw * (1 x106) ppm

Theories and Laws• A scientific theory is an explanation based on

many observations during repeated experiments.


– A scientific theory is valid only if it is consistent with observations, makes predictions that can be tested, and is the simplest explanation of observations.

– A theory can be changed or modified with the discovery of new data.


Theories and Laws• A scientific law is a basic fact that describes the

behavior of a natural phenomenon.


– A scientific law can be thought of as a “rule of nature,” even though the cause of the law may not be known.

– The events described by a law are observed to be the same every time.

– Theories are often used to explain scientific laws.


Candle Activity:Candle Activity:

Identify phenomenaIdentify phenomena

Develop a testable hypothesisDevelop a testable hypothesis

Design an experiment to test you Design an experiment to test you hypothesishypothesis

Science vs. PseudoscienceScience: Science: “Extraordinary “Extraordinary claims require claims require extraordinary extraordinary proof”proof”

Make a list of Make a list of differences differences between science between science and and pseudosciencepseudoscience

Section Assessment

1. Match the following terms with their definitions.

___ theory

___ model

___ law


A. an idea, a system, or mathematical expression that is similar to the idea being explained

B. a basic fact that describes the behavior of a natural phenomenon

C. an explanation based on many observations during repeated experiment

C

A

B


Section Assessment


2. On a line graph, what is plotted on the horizontal (x) axis?

The independent variable is plotted on the horizontal (x) axis.

3. On a line graph, what is plotted on the vertical (y) axis?

The dependent variable is plotted on the vertical (y) axis.


Chapter Resources Menu

Chapter Resources Menu

Study Guide

Section 1.1

Section 1.2

Section 1.3

Chapter Assessment

Image Bank


Section 1.1 Main Ideas• There are four major areas in Earth science. Astronomy is the study

of objects beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Meteorology is the branch of Earth science that deals with Earth’s atmosphere. The study of the materials that make up Earth and the processes that form and change these materials is known as geology. The study of Earth’s oceans is called oceanography.

• Earth can be divided into four main systems. The lithosphere includes the rocks that make up the crust and rigid, upper mantle. The atmosphere is the blanket of gases that surrounds Earth. Earth’s hydrosphere is the system of all of the water on the planet. The biosphere is Earth’s inhabitants and their environments.

• All of Earth’s systems interact. You are part of the biosphere and you live on the crust, which is part of the lithosphere. You breathe the gases in that atmosphere and depend in many ways on the water in the hydrosphere.

Section 1.1 Study Guide


Section 1.2 Main Ideas• The order of steps in a scientific method can vary. Most scientific

methods to solving a problem, however, include defining the problem, stating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, analyzing the results of the test, and drawing conclusions.

• Variables are factors that change in an experiment. A dependent variable can change in response to changes in the independent variable. A control is a standard for comparison.

• Basic units used in SI include the liter, the meter, the second, the kilogram, the Newton, and degrees Celsius.

• In scientific notation, a number is expressed as a multiplier and a power of 10.



Section 1.3 Main Ideas• Scientific information is communicated through lab reports,

professional papers, tables and graphs, and models.

• A scientific theory is an explanation based on many observations during repeated experiments. A scientific theory is valid only if it is consistent with observations, makes predictions that can be tested, and is the simplest explanation of observations. A theory can be changed or modified if it is found to be incorrect.

• A scientific law is a basic fact that describes the behavior of a natural phenomenon. A scientific law can be thought of as a “rule of nature,” even though the cause of the law may not be known.



1. Which branch of Earth science studies the air that surrounds our planet?

a. astronomy c. geology

b. meteorology d. oceanography

Multiple Choice

Chapter Assessment

Astronomy is the study of objects beyond Earth’s atmosphere; geology is the study of the materials that make up Earth and the processes that form and change these materials; and oceanography is the study of Earth’s oceans.


Multiple Choice2. Which subspecialty of Earth science studies water flow

on and below Earth’s surface?

a. climatology c. ecology

b. tectonics d. hydrology

Chapter Assessment

Climatology studies patterns of weather over a long period of time; tectonics studies the effects of internal processes on Earth’s surface; and ecology studies habitats of organisms and how organisms interact with each other and their environment.


Multiple Choice3. The asthenosphere is part of the _____.

a. lithosphere c. mantle

b. hydrosphere d. atmosphere

Chapter Assessment

The asthenosphere is the partially molten layer in the upper mantle. This is below the lithosphere which is the rigid outer shell of Earth. The hydrosphere is the water on the surface of Earth and in the atmosphere. The atmosphere is the blanket of gases surrounding Earth.


Multiple Choice4. A(n) _____ is used in an experiment to show that the

results of an experiment are actually a result of the condition being tested.

a. control c. dependent variable

b. independent variable d. hypothesis

Chapter Assessment

The independent variable in an experiment is the factor that is manipulated by the experimenter. A dependent variable is a factor that can change if the independent variable is changed. A hypothesis is a suggested explanation for an observation.


Multiple Choice5. The SI unit of mass is the _____.

a. m c. kg

b. N d. K

Chapter Assessment

The meter (m) is the SI unit to measure length; the newton (N) is the SI unit to measure weight; and in SI, temperature is measured on the Kelvin (K) scale.


Short Answer6. What are the four major steps and processes in the

scientific approach to problem solving?

Chapter Assessment

The four major steps and processes in the scientific approach to problem solving are question, test, analyze, and conclude.


Conversion7. Complete the following SI conversions.

100 mm _______ m

50 kg _______ g

287 mL _______ L

2.3 km _______ m

30 m3 _______ cm3

14 cm3 _______ mL

Chapter Assessment

.1

50,000

.287

2,300

3,000

14


True or False8. Identify whether the following statements are true or

false.

______ A scientific theory is a basic fact that describes

the behavior of a natural phenomenon.

______ Scientific methods are not rigid, step-by-step

outlines to solve problems.

______ A paleontologist would study the composition of

the ancient atmosphere.

______ Earth’s atmosphere is about 78% oxygen.

Chapter Assessment

false

true

true

false


Documents

Earth and Environmental Science – The Nature of Science Chapter 1 How do we use science to study the Earth? What tools do we use? How do we share our