1. Chapter 1 - Introduction
Earth Science
Chapter 1 - Introduction

2. Earth Science Study of the Earth and the universe around it
4 Branches of Earth science
Geology
Oceanography
Meteorology
Astronomy

3. Geology
Study of the origin, history, processes, and structure of the solid Earth

4. Oceanography
Study of the Earth’s oceans

5. Meteorology Study of Earth’s atmosphere
Especially related to weather and climate

6. Astronomy
Study of the universe beyond Earth

7. Environmental Science
Relatively new addition to the field of Earth Science
Study includes use of natural resources, pollution, and health of plant & animal species on Earth
Effect of industries and technologies on the environment

8. The Scientific Method
A series of logical steps to follow in order to solve a problem

9. Steps to the Scientific Method
Make Observations – state the problem
Form a Hypothesis – educated guess
Do Experiments – means of testing a hypothesis
Develop Theory – full explanation of observations
More Experiments – modify theory

10. Theory vs Law What’s the difference
Thoroughly tested EXPLANATION OF WHY experiments give certain results
Must be able to prove it wrong
Scientific Law
Concise statement that summarizes the results of observations and experiments
NO explanation of why

11. Experiment Terms
Variable – factor affecting an experiment. Change 1 variable at a time
Independent variable – factor being tested
Dependent variable – factor measured to see impact of independent variable
Control – standard for comparison
Constant – factors that do not change in the experiment

12. Scientific Measurement
Use International System of Units (SI system)
Always error associated with measurements - limited by accuracy of measuring device
7.2 cm?
7.3 cm?
Error

13. Scientific Measurement
Accuracy
How close a measurement is to the true value of the thing being measured
Precision
Exactness of measurement
Ability to repeat a measurement

14. Accuracy and Precision
Low accuracy
High Precision
Moderate accuracy and precision
High Accuracy
High Precision

15. Peer Review
Experts review each other’s work before publication of results
Reduces personal bias
Research worth publishing?
Suggest improvements or point out flaws
Ethical standards
Way to police science

16. Nature of Science Science is… An attempt to explain natural phenomena
Tentative
Based on observations, evidence, arguments, & skepticism
Involves creativity
Part of social and cultural traditions
Affected by social norms and history

17. Nature of Science There is no one way to do science
Laws and theories play different roles in science
All cultures contribute to the body of scientific knowledge
Science involves accurate record keeping, peer review, & is repeatable
Science & technology impact each other