Unit 1 Section 1 - What is Earth Science Section 2 - Science as a Process

HISTORY OF EARTH SCIENCE STUDY China – 780 BCE kept records of earthquakes Ancient Greece – 200 BCE compiled catalog of rocks and minerals Maya years ago created accurate calendars by observing the sun, stars, and moon.

Earth scientists help us better understand the world around us by studying how natural forces shape our environment. They do this by making observations and inferences. Observation - Process of collecting information by using the senses

OBSERVATIONS CAN BE QUANTITATIVE OR QUALITATIVE Quantitative - observation with numbers Qualitative – Observations about characteristics. E.g. color

INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF UNITS FOR QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENTS MeasurementmeasuresInstrument used SI unit VolumeHow much space an object takes up Graduated cylinder/beaker Cm3 or liter LengthHow long an object is Ruler/measuring tape meter MassThe amount of matter in an object Triple beam balance grams TemperatureAmount of heat thermometercelcius Density D=M/V How much matter is in a given space Graduated cylinder/triple beam balance g/l or g/cm3

MODELS Model – A representation to show how an object, system, or concept works. 1.Physical – Models you can touch. 2.Graphical – Maps and charts 3.Mathematical – Made of math equations. 4.Conceptual – Illustration to support a hypothesis.

STATIONS You will have 5 minutes at each station. Make five observations about each object. Determine if the observation is qualitative or quantitative. Do not move to the next station until the timer goes off.

Earth Science – study of Earth and its universe Geology – study of Earth structure And history Meteorology – study of Atmosphere Oceanography – Study of the ocean Geologists Volcanologists – study volcanoes Paleontologists – Study fossils Seismologists – study earthquakes Astronomy – study of The universe MeteorologistOceanographerAstronomers Other scientists who study Earth science include environmental scientists, ecologists, geochemists, cartographers.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A THEORY AND A LAW? Theory – A system of ideas explaining many related observations and supported by scientific investigation. A theory gives an explanation of why something happens. A THEORY WILL NEVER BECOME A LAW! Law – A general statement that explains how the natural world behaves. Does not answer “why”. It states what happens every time. Ex: Law of gravity.

SCIENCE CAN IMPACT SOCIETY By creating new technology But may also create problems

Science is different from other forms of human endeavor because the goal of science is to explain natural phenomena. Earth scientists assume that the causes of natural events or phenomena can be determined by careful observation and experimentation. Hypothesis – Testable idea or explanation that leads to scientific investigation. How is science different?

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN All experiments must have an independent variable, a dependent variable, and a control group. Independent variable – Factor manipulated in an experiment. The “if” part of the hypothesis. Dependent variable – Factor that changes because of the independent variable. The “then” part of the hypothesis. Control group – Test group not subjected to the independent variable. Normal conditions

FOR EXAMPLE Example: What effect does blue light have on plant growth? Hypothesis? Independent variable? Dependent variable? Control group?

PRECISION AND ACCURACY

LAB SAFETY Pages FL32-FL35