What is Earth Science?
Science is…
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Testable
Based on experiments
Observable and measurable
Repeatable
Subject to change
A search for understanding
Creative
Science is NOT…
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Able to answer all questions
A search for truth
Based on beliefs
Proven
4 Spheres of the Earth
Geosphere
(geo=rock)
Hydrosphere
(hydro=water)
Atmosphere
Biosphere
(air)
(bio=life)
Earth is a system.
• System – a complex whole made of
interacting parts
• Energy for the earth system comes from
the sun and earth’s interior
Place each term under the correct
sphere. (4 in each group)
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Humans
Ozone layer
Crust
River
Core
Insects
Groundwater
Oxygen
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Mantle
Plants
Glaciers
Wind
Clouds
Animals
Ocean
Rocks
Individual Assignment
• Create a concept map that illustrates the
interconnectedness of the earth system.
• Place “earth” in the center bubble, and the
names of each of the 4 spheres in connected
bubbles.
• Include at least 5 examples of each sphere and
at least 15 connections between spheres.
• Remember all lines must have connector
phrases. (Please # them.)
Main Branches of Earth Science
Earth
Science
Geology
Oceanography
Meteorology
Astronomy
Geology
• Study of the solid
earth
• Includes:
– rocks
– volcanoes
– layers of the earth
Oceanography
•Study of the oceans
• Includes:
-- seawater
-- currents
-- shorelines
Meteorology
• Study of the
atmosphere
• Includes:
– Weather
– Climate
– Storms
Astronomy
• Study of the universe
and solar system
• Includes:
– Stars
– Galaxies
– planets