Earth Science - Chapter 1 - Introduction to Earth Science

Science

A way of learning about the natural world through observations and logical reasoning.

Attitudes of scientists

Curiosity;

Honesty;

Open-Mindedness;

Skepticism, and

Creativity

Skills of scientists

Observing;

Inferring and;

Predicting.

Observing

The process of using one or more of your senses to gather information.

Your senses include: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.

Inferring

Interpreting observations based on prior knowledge or experience.

Predicting

The process of forecasting what will happen in the future based on past experience or evidence.

Scientific Inquiry

The ongoing process of discovery in science;

Steps of a Scientific Inquiry

1. Collecting Facts : posing questions

2. Developing a Hypothesis;

3. Observing and Experimenting: designing an experiment, collecting and interpreting data;

4. Accepting, modifying, or rejecting the hypothesis:

5. Drawing conclusions and

6. Communicating the results of the experiment.

Scientific Inquiry

The ongoing process of discovery in science;

The diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on evidence they gathered.

Hypothesis

A possible explanation for a set of observations or answer to a scientific question; It must be testable.

Controlled Experiment

An experiment in which only one variable is manipulated at a time.

Variable

A factor that can be change in an experiment.

Manipulated Variable

The one factor that a scientists changes during an experiment.

Responding Variable

The factor that changes as a result of changes to the manipulated, or independent, variable in an experiment.

Data

Facts, figures, or other evidence gathered through observations.

Scientific Theory

A well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations.

Scientific Law

A fact about nature; describes what scientists expect to happen every time under a particular set of conditions;

It has been proven to work 100%.

Earth System or Earth Structure

1. Lithosphere,

2. Hydrosphere,

3. Atmosphere,

4. Biosphere

Branches of Earth Science

1. Geologist

2. Oceanography

3. Meteorologist

4. Astronomer

5. Environmental Scientist

Geology

The study of what the Earth is made of and how it was formed.A science that studies rocks, layers of soil, etc., in order to learn about the history of the Earth and its life. : the rocks, land, processes of land formation, etc.

Oceanography

The scientific study of oceans, the life that inhabits them, and their physical characteristics, including the depth and extent of ocean waters, their movement and chemical makeup, and the topography and composition of the ocean floors.

-also includes ocean exploration.

Meteorology

The science dealing with the atmosphere and its phenomena, including weather and climate;

The atmospheric conditions and weather of an area.

Astronomy

The study of outer space, including planets, galaxies, black holes, and stars.

Environmental Science

The science of the interactions between the physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment, including their effects on all types of organisms but more often refers to human impact on the environment.

Scientific Model

Can be material, visual, mathematical, or computational and are often used for things that are too big/small or very complex

Technology

Is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes; Is how people change the world around them to meet their needs or to solve practical problems

Goal of Technology

Improve the way people live.

Technology includes knowledge and processes, not just things.

Engineer

a person who is trained to use both technological and scientific knowledge to solve practical problems.

Safety in the Lab

1. Always clean up your work area

2. Turn off and unplug any equipment

3. Wash your hands.

4. Use all safety equipments (goggle, gloves, etc.)

5. Follow directions strictly.

Safety in the Field

1. Good preparation helps you stay safe

2. Always clean up your work area

3. Wash your hands.

4. Use all safety equipments (suns cream, goggle, gloves, etc.)

5. Follow directions strictly.

6. Never work alone and without a supervision of an adult.

What to do in case of an accident

Tell your teacher immediately, no matter how minor the accident.

Lithosphere

the solid, rocky outer layer of the earth

Biosphere

Consists of all life on Earth and all parts of the Earth in which life exists

Hydrosphere

All the water on earth

Atmosphere

A thin layer of gases surrounding Earth