1. Observations and Inferences

2. Introduction to Earth Science
Earth Science is the study of Earth and its position in the universe. This science can be broken down into four disciplines of study: ASTRONOMY: METEOROLOGY: OCEANOGRAPHY: GEOLOGY:

3. Observation vs. Inference
An observation is --Scientists will use instruments to assist in the observations they make (Ex: telescope, spectroscope, barometer). An inference is --Often inferences may be incorrect and further observations may be necessary to make inferences more accurate.

4. Types of Observations
Quantitative observations are Qualitative observations are
Quantitative observations =
Qualitative observations =

5. Observation vs. Inference
OBSERVATIONS
INFERENCES

6. Classification Classification is PLANETS JOVIAN PLANETS
TERRESTRIAL PLANETS
Planets with large diameters and low densities.
Planets with small diameters and large densities.

7. Standard Unit of Measurement
Measurement is
Measurement
Tool
Standard Unit of Measurement
Length: The distance between two points
Meter stick, metric ruler, Trundle wheel
meter, kilometer, centimeter,
light-year
Mass: The amount of matter in an object
Triple-beam balance
grams, kilograms
Volume: The amount of space an object occupies.
Graduated cylinder
cm3
(cubic centimeters)

8. Percent Deviation
Errors exist in our understanding of the Earth due to a number of factors: 1 2. Percent deviation is
Percent deviation = difference from accepted value X 100
accepted value

9. Percent Deviation
Marissa used a triple-beam balance improperly to obtain the mass of a rock sample. Marissa determined the mass to be 45.6g when the mass of the rock sample should have been 48g. What is the percent deviation?
Percent deviation = difference from accepted value X 100
accepted value
Percent deviation =
Percent deviation =
Percent deviation =