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Welcome to Earth & Space
Science
Contents
Introduction What is Earth & Space Science
What is Science Unifying Themes of Science
Introduction to Scientific Research STEM & CTE
Flipping the
Classroom
Earth & Space Science
Room B208
Mr. Ross Ruschman
Phone # 629-2001
Email: [email protected]
AM I IN THE RIGHT
ROOM?
WHERE AM I
SUPPOSE TO SIT?
Anywhere there is a chair.
Please do not move chairs – if a table has four
chairs, it should only have four people at it…
Unit Objective Students will be able to:
•Define Science
•Describe the unifying themes of science
•Describe the relationship between STEM learning
and CTE learning
•Describe the principles of scientific inquiry
Welcome to Earth Science
Expectations
•Come to class.
•Work hard.
•Have fun.
•Learn a lot.
Rules
•Safety First!!
•Be Positive!
•Show Respect!
•A class full of science
•No Excuses
Materials
• Something to write on
• Pen, Pencil, Crayon, Quill, or something to
write with.
• Your Brain!!!
Homework!!!!
Go online
Read the syllabus
Answer the following
questions:
1. Which of my five rules
do you think is most
important?
2. When does class end?
3. How can you get a hold
of me?
4. What is my policy on
extra credit?
5. What was the most
interesting thing you
learned by reading my
syllabus?
Inventorying Your Interests
• On the front of the envelope, provide the following information:
o Your Name (first and last, but really what you want me to call you)
o Your birthdate
o Best phone number to call your parents
o A good email address for your parents
o Parents occupations
o Homeschool
o Last Year’s Science Teacher
o Computer Access Situation
570-629-2001
Alan Ruschman – Astronaut
Cindy Ruschman – Brain Surgeon
Last year I had Mrs. Flannery for science and really liked her cause all we did
was arts and crafts projects and she was easy on the eyes. I like to work with
Ms. Lombardino but I hate Mr. Wilson b/c he stole my girlfriend. I not a good
reader and I have a hard time with essay tests. I have three kids I watch every
afternoon so I don’t have much time for homework. I do have access to the
Internet. Can I friend you on Facebook?
Pocono West – GO PANTHERS!!
Inventorying Your Interests II • On the back of the envelope, please answer the first question
(required) and two additional questions, using complete sentences:
o What are your hobbies/extracurricular
activities/responsibilities outside of school?
o What is your favorite academic subject and why
o Why did you choose to attend MCTI?
o What do you like to do in your free time? Be specific.
o How much traveling have you done and where have you gone?
• If you are at all interested in my interests (and it is perfectly ok if you
could care less) check out All About Me on my website.
Activity 1
Place the rock provided in a beaker of
water. Record your observations. Suggest
why this happens and relate that to how
the rock might have formed.
Activity 2
Place 8 ml of water sample A in the
graduated cylinder provided. Place the
stick provided in the cylinder and record
the level to which the bottom of the stick
floats. Repeat this for water samples B
and C. Suggest an explanation for your
results.
Activity 4
Using the inflated balloon, answer the
following questions:
1. What is inside the balloon?
2. What is outside the balloon?
3. Explain the difference in pressure
inside and outside the balloon
4. Does air take up space? Explain
5. Does air have mass? Explain
Activity 3
The model in front of you has four sides –
A, B, C, and D. Sketch the layout of the
stars (marshmallows) from each side (you
will have four sketches). What does this
imply about the constellations we can see
in the sky?
The Traditional
Branches of
Earth & Space
Science
Cosmosphere
Hydrosphere Atmosphere
Geosphere
O2
CO2 N2 H2O
Biosphere
Earth System Science
Reviewing Earth Science
1.What are the four traditional branches of
Earth Science? What do they study?
2.What are the five major spheres related to
Earth Science
3.These spheres are all interconnected. If
one of these spheres fails, the Earth will no
longer be a suitable place to live. This
implies that Earth is a ______.
Interdisciplinary Earth Science
List as many hobbies as you can that might involve some
aspect of Earth and Space Science and explain which of
Earth’s spheres they are related to
Defining Science Write down a definition for what you think
science is. Remember, examples are not
definitions.
Density of Rocks
In front of each of you are ten rock samples.
They are all the same rock, but are they all the
same density?
Calculate the density of each sample in g/ml and
write your results on the front board
Remember – science is collaborative. Work
together. Everyone should be doing something.
Mass. Volume. Calculating Density. Recording
Results.
What is Science
Science is a process
Science is about doing things
Science is a participatory sport
What is Science
Science studies nature, not man-made stuff
Nature does not have to be animals and trees
Anything not man-made is nature
What is Science
Science is repetitive
Experiments are done over and over
Lots of data is needed to draw conclusions
Science is…
• a Process
• It’s about doing and experiencing things
• It’s a participatory sport
• It’s based on inquiry
• It’s observation and measurement based
• the Study of Nature
• Not man-made stuff
• Natural causes for natural phenomenon
• Anything not man-made is natural
• uses Repetitive techniques
• Experiments are done over and over
• Lots of data is needed to draw useful conclusions
What is Science
• Culture of Science is based on cooperation and
competition
• Communicate results for verification and to generate
new ideas
• Different from other ways of explaining nature
• Observations and measurements that can be
verified
• Testable
• Different from technology
• Observations and measurements that can be
verified
• Testable
Culture of Science
It is a process
It must be experienced
It cannot be taught
Conclusions About Science
Science is not…
• A Collection of Facts
• Textbook, Leaf Collection, Poster, Periodic Table
• Does not involve a repeatable process
• Technology
• Rocketry, Cooking, Medicine
• Does not involve study nature
• Applied Science
• Collecting
• Museum, Aquarium, Library
• Does not involve a process
• Pseudoscience
• Astrology, ESP, Intelligent Design
• Does not involve a repeatable process
What Science is NOT
What is Science Questions 1. What are the three concepts that define science?
2. Suggest why learning facts and figures is not science, but the
process of discovering those facts and figures is science.
3. A fisherman keep a record of fishing activities, the weather and
water conditions, and the catch. Is he doing science? Explain.
4. Representative Holt suggests that most people think of science as
this mysterious, hard-to-understand topic. Do you agree? Explain
your answer.
5. Which is more important – knowing about a technical topic (i.e.
anthrax) or being able to read a technical article and learn about
that topic?
Conclusion
Science is a process.
It must be experienced.
It cannot be taught.
Reviewing What is Science
1. What are the three main ingredients of
science?
2. Give five specific examples of doing
science and explain why it is science.
3. Give five specific examples of things
that are not science and explain why
they are not science
Direct Observation Questions 1. How many airplanes were in the picture?
2. What number was at the top of the dart board?
3. What time did the clock say?
4. What denomination was the money?
5. What color was the boy’s hair who was holding the globe?
6. What color was the fingernail polish?
7. What color was the baseball player’s shirt?
8. How many matches were still in the book?
9. What number was on the side of the car?
10. What toy (not a ball) was touching the football?
11. Name three of the four colors on the dartboard.
Observations
Indirect Observations – Those observations
that we infer or make from far away
– Depth of the ocean
– Distance to stars
Direct Observations – Those observations
we make ourselves
i.e. Measurements using a ruler
i.e. Amount of snow that fell
Observing Milk Consumption
The cafeteria is considering getting rid of
milk at lunch. Before they do, they need to
know how many students drink milk each
day.
List as many ways as you can to find out
how many students drink milk each day.
Observation Time Cost Accuracy
Direct
Lots
Expensive
High
Indirect
Little
Cheap
Low
Comparing Observations
Observations and Questions
1. Understand the problem.
2. Observe and ask questions.
3. Develop a hypothesis (tentative
explanation of the problem)
4. Give evidence for your hypothesis.
5. If hypothesis is not correct, go back to #1
Observations and Questions
A woman gets ready for bed one
evening. She changes and turns
out the light. She goes to sleep.
When she wakes in the morning,
she looks outside. She promptly
jumps out the window and kills
herself. Why?
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
½ 1 1½ 2 2½ 3 3½ 4 4½
0.25 ½ 2/3 ¾ 1 1.25 1.33
Apple Orange Tangerine
Broccoli Banana Tomato
Grapefruit Pineapple Pear
Kiwi Carrot Potato
ACDC Toby Keith
REM Smashing Pumpkins
Beach Boys CCR
Beastie Boys Led Zeplin
Jimmy Buffet Tom Petty
Dixie Chicks Kid Rock
Paula Abdul Run DMC
Quiet Riot Steve Miller Band
Queen Elton John
Elton John Grateful Dead
Frank Sinatra Kenny Chesney
KISS Nirvanna
Classification
Classification provides scientists a way to
sort and group specimens for easier study
There is NO right way to classify things
Does it make sense
Is it effective
Classifying Aquatic
Ecosystems
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.indvr.com/indvr/pictures/530up/597g.jp
g&imgrefurl=http://www.indvr.com/indvr/5/597.htm&h=270&w=360&sz=15&hl=en&start=6&t
bnid=z1oQPBAkdTq5eM:&tbnh=91&tbnw=121&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlake%2Bnaomi%26
svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D
http://www.state.nj.us/drbc/LRRprt/photos/Tobyha.jpg
http://www.visitusa.com/delaware/images/indianbaypic.jpg
http://www.cleanbeaches.org/bluewave/new%20jersey/stone%20harbor/beachbig.jpg
You are provided with a set of 18 aquatic
ecosystems
1.Use the keys provided to identify each of
those ecosystems
2.Classify those ecosystems into groups using
the following rules
– Must have at least 2 groups
– Each group must have at least 2
ecosystems
– No ecosystem can be placed into
more than one group
3.Make a poster showing your classification
system
4.If you have time, make it pretty
Reviewing Observations
and Classification 1.Describe direct and indirect observations and
give an example of each
2.What are the five ways of making a direct
observation
3.Compare direct and indirect observations in
terms of time, cost, and accuracy
4.What are the five key points of observing and
questioning?
5.Why do scientists classify things
6.What is the correct way to classify things
Investigating Cycles
Earth’s major
cycles include the
following:
• Rock
• Water
• Carbon
• Nitrogen
• Phosphorus
Use the information provided to answer
the following questions:
1. What elements are involved in each
cycle
2. Which of Earth’s spheres are
involved in each cycle
3. Name three important needs for each
element/compound
4. What ultimately powers these cycles
5. In what sphere is each of the
elements most common
6. What happens to nutrients when
living things die
Nature is a system and contains many
subsystems.
These systems are all interrelated
Changes in one of these systems will impact the
other systems, and it is possible and necessary
to be able to predict how a change to one
system will affect another system
Natural Systems System – Group of parts working together to
complete a function
Closed Systems – a system where nothing enters
or leaves – it is self-contained
Open Systems – a system that requires resources
to enter the system or waste to leave the system
Input – something going into a system
Output – something leaving a system
Natural Systems
The Earth, in terms of matter, is a closed system
Humans clearly disrupt biogeochemical cycles
In the absence of humans, are the biogeochemical
cycles stable?
Change is a part of natural biogeochemical cycles
Natural Systems
Sailboat Models
Definitions
Model - A scientific model is a simplified view of
reality that allows us to create explanations of
how we think some part of the world works.
Scale – mathematical relationship between a
real-life object and a model of the object
.-..--…---….----…..-----
½ 1 1½ 2 2½ 3 3½ ___ ___
Orange
Tangerine
Grapefruit
Pineapple
Kiwi
Nature repeats itself in patterns
These patterns can be used to make predictions
By understanding these patterns we are better
able to understand the world we live on
For thousands of years, humans have found patterns in the
stars. These patterns, while not based on anything more
than our own perspective from here on Earth, help us find
our way around the sky, predict seasons, and navigate.
Finding Patterns in Constellations
On the star sheet provided, find your own constellation.
When you are done, write a myth about your constellation.
Many times, these constellations were
based on the myths and legends of
different cultures. Thus we have Orion
the Hunter and Aries the Ram.
Once upon a time there was a really nice teacher named Mr. R. Now Mr. R. had fallen deeply in love with Ms. L next door. However, when he expressed his love for her, she spurned his advances and broke his heart using a knife. To forever remind humans of the importance of love and friendship, the gods took Mr. R’s heart and the knife and placed them in the heavens where they remind us to this day that men are nice and women are evil, conniving, uncaring…
For thousands of years, humans have found patterns in the
stars. These patterns, while not based on anything more
than our own perspective from here on Earth, help us find
our way around the sky, predict seasons, and navigate.
Finding Patterns in Constellations
On the star sheet provided, find your own constellation.
When you are done, write a myth about your constellation.
Many times, these constellations were
based on the myths and legends of
different cultures. Thus we have Orion
the Hunter and Aries the Ram.
Reviewing Systems
Models and Patterns 1. What is a system
2. Why do scientists study change in systems
3. Compare a closed and open system. Give an
example of each
4. What is a model
5. What is scale
6. Explain why we use models in science.
7. What is the benefit of patterns in science
Literacy and Science
Regardless of how you feel about reading and writing,
they are an important part of science. In fact, all
scientific concepts are communicated using reading
and writing. So we will do lots of reading and writing.
Literacy and Science Activities
• Should Archaeological Objects Be Left in Place
• Buffalo Jerky and Freeze-Dried Fish
• Should the Government Fund Scientific
Research
If I Could Just Get It Down On
Paper
RAFT
R: Role
A: Audience
F: Format
T: Topic
RAFT
1. Each person will be assigned their
own RAFT
2. Open a google document
3. Write your prompt at the top of the
page
4. Complete your writing assignment
in the time provided
5. Save your document to your
folder
1. Why are reading and writing important to
scientists?
2. List three different types of material that
scientists might read or write
Reviewing Literacy in
Science
Math and Science Regardless of how you feel about math, it is an
important part of science. In fact, all scientific concepts
can be broken down to some type of mathematical law
or process. Math is important. Luckily, the math we use
in this class will be very basic. Math concepts like:
Why is Math Important?
Scientific Notation
Scientific notation is a method used by scientists to express
very large and very small numbers. The method simplifies
numbers by removing the need to write out excessive zeros or
place holders
To write a decimal number in scientific notation:
Put the decimal after the first digit and drop the zeros.
To find the exponent count the number of places from
the decimal to the end of the number
To convert from scientific notation to decimal form
If the exponent on the base (10) is positive, move the decimal to the right
the same number of places as the exponent by adding zeros as
placeholders. If the exponent is negative, move the decimal to the left.
+ exponents are greater than 1, - exponents are less than 1
Metric System The Metric System is used to measure:
Length – Meter (m)
Mass - Gram (g)
Volume – Liter (l) Temperature – degrees Centigrade (⁰C)
Kilo
Hecto
Deca
Base
Deci
Centi
Milli
Converting Units
A Million
How can we represent a million?
A Million
If you count one per second, then to count to a
million would take you a little more than 11 ½ days
A million quarters line up would stretch from East
Stroudsburg High School South to Pleasant
Valley High School
A million pounds is the weight of the population of
the Borough of Stroudsburg.
A million grains of rice...
If I Had A Million Dollars
In at least 1x102 words, tell me how you would
spend 1x106 dollars.
Math and Science Labs
Calculating the Crust: Measuring, Calculating, Precision,
Accuracy, Estimation, Statistics, Graphing,
Reviewing Math in Science 1. What is the difference between a graph and a chart
2. What is a graph and why is it important
3. What are the five major types of graph and when are they used
4. How do you know the correct graph to use
5. What are five things to make sure you include on your graph?
6. What is the mean, median, mode, range of the following:
10 100 1000 10,000 100,000 1,000,000
7. Compare accuracy and precision.
8. D=
9. The actual density of a rock is 1.53 g/ml. You measured and calculated
the density as 1.62 g/ml. How accurate was your answer?
10. When converting to scientific notation, numbers greater than 1 have a
____ exponent and numbers less than 1 have a _____ exponent
11. Convert the following to scientific notation:
1. 602,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
2. 0.000000123
Reviewing Math in Science 11. What is the metric base unit for:
Length ______________
Mass ______________
Volume ______________
12. When converting numbers and units, as the unit gets larger, what
happens to the number?
13. Sketch the metric number line from kilo- to milli-
14. Be able to convert metric units
Science Attitudes Rank each question 1 – 5 where 1 is strongly agree and 5 is strongly disagree
1.I enjoy science
2.Science is useful in everyday life
3.Doing science often makes me feel nervous or upset
4.Science challenges me to use my mind
5.The science instruction that I have received will be helpful for me in the future
6.I am good at science
7.I usually understand what we are doing in science class
8.Studying hard in science is not cool to do
9.I will probably take more advanced science courses in the future
Draw a Scientist Test
1. Imagine a scientist at work. Now on the paper provided, draw a picture of what you imagined (Yes, stick figures are acceptable).
2. Describe what the scientist is doing in the picture. Write at least 2 sentences.
3. List three words that come to mind when you think of this scientist:
4. What kinds of things do you think this scientist does on a typical day? List at least three things.
Summarizing the Data
What is STEM
• S – Science
• T – Technology
• E – Engineering
• M – Math
To triple a recipe calling for 2/3 cup
of liquid, add _______ of liquid.
A. 1 1/3 cups
B. 1 1/2 cups
C. 1 2/3 cups
D. 2 cups
Healthy hair and skin have a pH in
the range of
A. 4.5 – 5.5
B. 7.0 – 8.0
C. 9.5 – 10.5
D. 11.0 – 12.0
One of the most common root systems is
A. Filament
B. Gymnosperm
C. Fibrous
D. Xylem
The inner circle of an atom is called the
A. valance ring
B. floating ring
C. nucleus
D. atom ring
A battery produces electricity by
A. thermo energy
B. proton potential
C. electron potential
D. chemical reaction
With increasing temperature, the density
of a liquid
A. increases substantially
B. increases slightly
C. decreases slightly
D. decreases substantially
So What Is STEM Really?
Any field or career that:
Creates, Discovers or Applies New
Knowledge to Make Life Better for All!
STEM in the Real World
The following slides contain lists of career fields or academic majors. On each list, cross off any field or major which you think does not require any STEM skills.
MCTI Programs
• Construction: Building Trades Maintenance, Carpentry, Drafting, Electrical,
HVAC, Masonry, Plumbing
• Health Science & Human Services: Health Occupations, Culinary Arts,
Cosmetology, Horticulture/Floriculture, Hotel Resort and Tourism Management,
Marketing, Law Enforcement
• Information Technology: Computer Networking & Security, Graphic
Communications
• Manufacturing: Drafting, Electronics Technology, Computerized Machine
Technology, Welding
• Transportation: Automotive Technology, Autobody Collision Repair, Diesel
Technology, Power Sports and Small Engine Repair Technology
US DOE CAREER CLUSTERS
1. Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
2. Architecture and Construction
3. Arts, A/V and Communications
4. Business, Management, and Administration
5. Education and Training
6. Finance
7. Government and Public Administration
8. Health Science
9. Hospitality and Tourism
10. Human Services
11. Information Technology
12. Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security
13. Manufacturing
14. Marketing, Sales, and Service
15. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
16. Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
* (STEM intensive)
*
*
*
*
*
*
http://www.careerclusters.org
Top 10 Hiring Fields
• Customer Service
• Doctors/Professionals
• Engineers
• Management/Exec
• Restaurant/Hotel
• Drivers
• Technicians
• Nurses
• Sales Reps
• Skilled Trades
Ref: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/20/top-10-jobs-hiring-the-
mo_n_583842.html#s92318&title=7_Management_And
Fastest Growing Job Ops • Biomedical engineers
• Network systems /data
communications
• Home health aides
• Personal and home care aides
• Financial examiners
• Medical scientists
• Physician assistants
• Skin care specialists
• Biochemists and biophysicists
• Athletic trainers
• Physical therapist aides
• Dental hygienists
• Veterinary technologists and
technicians
• Dental assistants
• Computer software engineers
• Medical assistants
• Physical therapist assistants
• Veterinarians
• Self-enrichment education
teachers
• Compliance officers
• Occupational therapist aides
• Environmental engineers
• Pharmacy technicians
• Computer software engineers
• Survey researchers
Ref: http://www.careerinfonet.org/oview1.asp?next=oview1&Level=Overall&optstatus=&jobfam=&id=1&nodeid=3&soccode=&stfips=&ShowAll=
NCC Programs and STEM Programs Accounting
Applied Quality and Standards
Architecture
Aseptic Processing
Automation Control in Biomanufacturing
Automotive Technology ASE Certified Technicians
Automotive Technology
Biological Science
Biotechnology
Business Administration
Business Management
Chemical Technology
Chemistry
Communication Design
Communication Studies
Computer Aided Design
Computer Information Systems
Computer Information Technology: Application Development
Computer Information Technology: Application Programming
Computer Information Technology: Networking
Computer Information Technology: Security
Computer Information Technology: Web Programming
Computer Maintenance & Service Technology
Computer Science
Construction Management
Criminal Justice
Culinary Arts
Dental Hygiene
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Dietary Management
Direct Service Provider
Education - Early Childhood Education
Education - Middle Level Education:
Education - Math & Science
Education - Secondary Education
Education - Special Education
Electrical Construction Technology IBEW
Electrical Construction Technology
Electrical Technology
Electromechanical Technology
Electronics Technology
Emergency Services Administration
Emergency Services Technology
Engineering
English
Fine Art
Funeral Service Education
General Studies
History
Hotel/Restaurant Management
Hotel/Restaurant Management - Casino
Hotel/Restaurant Management - Dining
Hotel/Restaurant Management - Resort
Indoor Environmental Control
Interior Design
Journalism
Legal Administrative Assistant
Legal Office Specialist
Liberal Arts
Library Technical Assistant
Marketing
Math/Physics
Medical Administrative Assistant
Medical Assistant
Medical Billing
Medical Office Specialist
Medical Transcription
Multimedia
Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology
Nursing
Office Administrative Assistant
Office Skills Specialist
Optoelectronics
Paralegal
Philosophy
Physics/Math
Policital Science
Psychology
Radio/TV
Radiography
Real Estate
Small Business Management
Social Work
Sociology
Sport Management
Sports Medicine: Athletic Training
Surgical Technology
Theatre
Veterinary Technician
Web Development
Web Site Design
Welding
Women's and Gender Studies
Word Processing Specialist
ESU Programs and STEM Programs Art & Design
Athletic Training
Biochemistry
Biology
Biotechnology
Business Management
Chemistry
Chemical Biotechnology
Communication Studies
Computer Sciences
Computer Security
Criminal Justice Administration
Early Childhood Education
Earth-Space Science
Economics
English
Environmental Studies
Exercise Science
Fine Arts
French
General Science
Geography
Gerontology
Interdisciplinary Studies
International Studies
Health Education
Health Services Administration
History
Hotel Restaurant & Tourism
Marine Science
Mathematics
Media Communications
Media Paraprofessional
Medical Technology
Music
Nursing
Philosophy
Physical Education
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Recreation & Leisure
Rehabilitative Services
Social Studies Education
Social Work
Sociology
Spanish
Special & Early Child Ed
Special & Middle Level Ed
Speech-Language Pathology
Sports Management,
Theatre Arts
Women's Studies
MCTI and STEM Choose one of the program areas you have seen and
give an example of each of the following parts of
STEM:
Science:
Technology
Engineering
Math
Reviewing STEM
1. What does the acronym STEM stand for?
2. Summarize CTE’s role in a STEM-based
economy.
3. Why is the study of STEM fields important
A Most Righteous STEM Dude
In this box is the image of a very important
STEM professional – probably the most
important STEM person you will ever know.
This person will have a great deal of influence
on you and the decisions you make. You may
or may not recognize the person, but please
don’t spill the beans until all of you have had
the chance to look.
Career Writing
Three Paragraphs (real ones, with an
introductory sentence, supporting sentences,
and a transition/conclusion sentence)
1.Tell me what you want to be when you grow up and why.
2.Tell me about how you think science relates to that career.
3.Tell me how you think you will learn that science.
Scientific Fact
Or
Science Fiction
Moving Continents and Plate Tectonics
According to the Law of Superposition, layers of rock are deposited in order of time, with the oldest layers
on the bottom and the youngest layers on top. However, in the 1880s, scientists observed rock layers that
did not seem to fit the Law of Superposition. Geologists observed older rock layers on top of younger
layers. Scientists studying these formations believed they were due to what geologists called thrust faults,
which are areas where one large layer of the earth is pushed up on top of another. At the time, the idea
that the Earth’s crust moves vertically, geosynclinal theory, was widely accepted and believed to be the
cause of the thrust faults.
Today, the scientific explanation for thrust faults and other natural phenomena, such as earthquakes, is
plate tectonics. The theory of plate tectonics is the currently accepted model of large-scale movement of
the Earth’s crust and upper mantle, the lithosphere. The plate tectonics model explains how major and
minor plates of the lithosphere move relative to each other at plate boundaries. Evidence for plate
tectonics is plentiful. Supporting evidence, based on decades of research, includes:
1. Complimentary coastlines of different continents. For example, the coastlines of South America and
Africa look like they could fit together.
2. The distribution of similar rocks and fossils on far-apart continents. For example, rocks found in
Scotland and Ireland are very similar to rocks in eastern Canada.
3. High mountains and deep-sea trenches that occur along plate boundaries.
4. Earthquake zones near deep-sea trenches and ridges.
Although scientific evidence supports plate tectonics, in 2008, over 20% of Americans incorrectly
answered a question that asked if continents had been moving for millions of years and if continents
would continue to move*. It is unclear whether those who got the question wrong did not understand the
principles of plate tectonics or believe that the earth is much younger than scientific evidence suggests.
* National Science Foundation, Science and Engineering Indicators, 2012
Activity Questions
1. The passage describes two scientific theories, one old, and one current.
Name and describe those two theories and explain why the current model is
considered to be a theory.
2. The passage describes one scientific law. Name and describe the law and
explain why it is considered to be a law.
3. One hypothesis is described in the paragraph. Name and describe the
hypothesis and explain why it is considered to be a hypothesis.
4. Several facts are given in the passage. List three facts and describe why
they are facts.
5. Several opinions (aka beliefs) are stated or referred to in the passage.
Give one example of an opinion and explain why it is an opinion.
6. Based on what you know about each of the different classifications of
scientific language, explain the difference between each of the following:
• hypothesis and opinion
• fact and opinion
• hypothesis and theory
• law and fact
• theory and law
How Do We Do Science? There are two main scientific approaches:
Discovery Science Hypothesis-Driven Science
• Traditional Science
• Describing nature
• Makes use of Scientific Method
• Based on verifiable
observations and
measurements
• Describe what you see
• Results in new questions
• Modern Science
• Explaining nature
• Hypothesis – An explanation
(NOT A GUESS) on trial
• Takes advantage of If…Then…
logic
• More flexible than Discovery
Science
Matching Terms
Scientific Theory
Scientific Fact
Scientific Law
Hypothesis
a well tested and widely
accepted view that explains
certain observable facts
A tentative explanation that
is tested to determine if the
explanation is valid
A description of what
happens – often expressed
using mathematics
Accepted or measured
data or observation
Proving & Disproving
Theories
Theories and Laws cannot be proven
If any part of a theory is disproven, the
theory is no longer valid and must be
either discarded or modified
Comparing and
Contrasting Theories
and Laws
Theories Explain Laws Describe
Objects fall at 9.81 m/s2 The cause of gravity
1 – For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
2 - F = ma
3 – Water freezes at 32 F
4 – The Earth is a sphere.
5 – The universe is expanding.
6 – Humans were created separately from all other life on Earth.
7 – Humans and gorillas evolved from a common ancestor species.
8 – Light is an electromagnetic phenomenon described by Maxwell’s
Laws
9 – Matter is comprised of atoms.
10 –The sun will die in 7.5 billion years.
11 – Earth’s magnetic field is generated by a conducting fluid in its core.
12 – Sunspots are colder than the surface of the Sun.
13 – There are such things as ghosts.
14 - The solar system formed from a primordial disk of gas and dust
15 - Matter can be converted into energy.
16 – Energy can be converted into matter.
17 – The positions of the planets can cause humans to act in specific
ways.
18 - Momentum is the product of a body’s mass and its velocity.
19 – The core of the Sun has a temperature of 14.5 million Centigrade.
20 – We will never know how life started on Earth.
21 – The Milky Way is a spiral-type galaxy.
22 – Black holes exist.
23 – The sun will rise tomorrow morning.
24 – The Earth is older than 10,000 years.
25 – Genetic mutations cause organisms to change over time.
26 – Primitive human-like creatures existed 2 million years ago.
27 – If I jump out a window I will die.
28 – The universe was created at the Big Bang.
29 – The first generations of stars appeared about 100 million years
after the Big Bang.
30 – Space exists in 10-dimensions not just 3.
31 – Some numbers are more lucky than others
32 – More babies are born, and crimes take place, during the full moon.
33 – The Coriolus Force forces water down a drain counterclockwise.
34 - The first multi-cellular organisms appeared on Earth about 560 mya
35 – The inverse-square law for gravity and Newton’s laws of motion
explain why orbits are ellipses
Reviewing the Nature of
Science
1. How are theories, laws, and hypotheses related?
2. Theories and laws ______________ be proven.
3. ______________ describe. ___________ explain.
4. Compare theories and hypothesis
5. Explain how a hypothesis becomes a theory and a
theory becomes a law
Think about the skills you used to complete activities
over the last few days. Think about the things you have
done in other science classes. Brainstorm. Talk to your
neighbor. Brainstorm some more. Maybe talk a little
more. And when your brain has been stormed and when
I think you’ve talked enough, then you can make a
poster of the science skills that you think scientists use
to do science.
Amazingly enough, your list will be very similar to the
skills all professionals use to solve problems.
Science Skills
1. What materials are readily available for conducting
experiments on ( )?
2. How do ( ) act?
3. How can you change the ( ) to affect the action?
4. How can your measure or describe the response of ( )
to the change?
The following four question strategy is used to generate
things to study and experiments to perform. It’s not a
method to do the experiment but rather a way to
brainstorm ideas.
Reviewing Doing Science
1. Compare the scientific method with science
skills
2. Use the 4-Question strategy to design an
experiment about raindrops
