Unit 1 Chapter 1Unit 1 Chapter 1Introduction into Introduction into

Earth ScienceEarth Science

Section 1Section 1What is Earth Science?What is Earth Science?

It is the study of the Earth……but more!It is the study of the Earth……but more!

It is learning about all of the systems and their interactions between each other. It is about the delicate balance that earth holds.

We need to study the earth to find out where we are going based on where we have been. We need to know if we are harming the earth or making it better. We need to know if things are happening because we are making them or because they would without our intervention.

Who does the discovering and interpretations?Who does the discovering and interpretations?

4 branches of science that we use in Earth Science:4 branches of science that we use in Earth Science: GeologyGeology Geologist – studies anything to do with the hard parts Geologist – studies anything to do with the hard parts

of the earthof the earth MeteorologyMeteorology Meteorologist – studies the weather and other variablesMeteorologist – studies the weather and other variables AstronomyAstronomy Astronomer – studies outer space and all that’s Astronomer – studies outer space and all that’s

involved out thereinvolved out there OceanographyOceanography Oceanographer – studies anything that has to do with Oceanographer – studies anything that has to do with

the water parts of the earththe water parts of the earth Environmental Science - A combining how man interacts with Environmental Science - A combining how man interacts with

the environment.the environment.

Section 2Section 2

Science as a ProcessScience as a Process

The goal of science is to explain natural The goal of science is to explain natural phenomena. Scientists ask questions about phenomena. Scientists ask questions about natural events and then work to find answers natural events and then work to find answers to the questions that they are curious about. to the questions that they are curious about. They even try to use science to prove They even try to use science to prove unnatural phenomena (aliens?) too.unnatural phenomena (aliens?) too.

This is done though a series of events.This is done though a series of events.

Step I:Step I: Scientific InquiryScientific Inquiry Asking questionsAsking questions Observing (Observing (interactions of the senses with the environment)interactions of the senses with the environment)

Forming Inferences (Forming Inferences (an interpretation of an observation)an interpretation of an observation)

Gathering EvidenceGathering Evidence

Step II: Step II: Form a hypothesisForm a hypothesis Analyze the dataAnalyze the data Draw conclusionsDraw conclusions

Step III: Test the data

Perform the experiment

Factors for an experiment:

Independent variableFactors that are changed by the person performing the experiment

Dependent variableVariables that change because of changes in the independent variables

Control GroupAn identical group used as a comparison for the group being tested.

Re-test everything

Step IV: Draw a conclusion

Either move ahead or come up with something new

Using Tools to assist with the testingAccuracy & Precision

Important when measuringPercent of Error

An equation used to see how accurate you areModels

Are representations, description or copy of an object, system, process or concept.

Two types areA)Physical Models

(three dimensional)Maps, charts, globesB) Conceptual Models

Mathematical (uses equations)Computer (uses equations and high speeds to display data)

Step V:Publish your findings

This allows others scientist the opportunity to read about your hypothesis.

Step VI:Peer Review

Once a hypothesis is published it is reviewed by other scientists in the same field. More tests are performed to see if they get the same results. Other scientists can make recommendations or simply say it may or may not work.

Step VII:Theory

In everyday language a theory means a hunch or speculation. Not so in science. In science, you have to test, and retest an observation or experiment before you can call it a theory. The original idea will either be disproved, modified or excepted.

LawThis is not a theory any more. A law is a generalization regarding nature and how it works under certain circumstances. Scientists use these to create more theories and laws.

Step VIII:Interdisciplinary Science

Using other sciences to assist with identifying an explanation of a natural event. By using other sciences this allows for a free flow of ideas and information that can be necessary to prove the idea.