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

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

2. History of Earth Science Study • China – 780 BCE kept records of earthquakes • Ancient Greece – 200 BCE compiled catalog of rocks and minerals • Maya 4000+ years ago created accurate calendars by observing the sun, stars, and moon.

3. 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

4. Observations can be Quantitative or Qualitative • Quantitative - observation with numbers • Qualitative – Observations about characteristics. E.g. color

5. International System of Units for quantitative measurements

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

8. 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.

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

10. 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.

11. Science can impact society • By creating new technology • But may also create problems

12. How is science different? • 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.

14. 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

15. For Example Example: What effect does blue light have on plant growth? Hypothesis? Independent variable? Dependent variable? Control group?

16. Precision and accuracy

17. Lab Safety • Pages FL32-FL35