Introduction to Earth Science
Section 1- What is Earth Science
Section 2- Science as a Process
Section One
• What is Earth Science
– The scientific study of Earth and the universe
around it
History
• Chinese scientist began keeping record of
earthquakes as early as 780 BC
• For many centuries, scientific discoveries were
limited to observations of phenomena
• 16th and 17th Century the microscope and
telescope were invented
• Eventually, the body of knowledge about Earth
became known as Earth Science
Branches of Earth Science
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Geology
Oceanography
Meteorology
Astronomy
Geology
• The scientific study of the origin, history, and
structure of Earth and the processes that
shape the Earth
Oceanography
• The scientific study of the ocean, including the
properties and movement s of ocean water,
the characteristics of the ocean floor, and the
organisms that live in the ocean
Meteorology
• The scientific study of Earth’s atmosphere,
especially in relation to weather and climate
Astronomy
• The scientific study of the universe
• One of the oldest branches of science
The Importance of Earth Science
• Natural forces not only shape Earth, but also
affect life on Earth
• Why is it important to understand the Earth
science?
Section Two
• Science as a Process
– The goal of science is to explain natural
phenomena
– Scientist ask questions about natural events and
then work to answer those questions through
experiments and examination
Behavior of Natural Systems
• Scientist start with the assumption that nature
is understandable
• Scientist also expect that nature is predictable
Scientific Methods
• A development of organized and logical
approaches to scientific research
• Scientific Methods are NOT:
– A set of sequential steps that scientist always
follow
• Scientific Methods are:
– Guidelines to scientific problem solving
Ask A Question
• Observation
– The process of obtaining information by using the
senses; the information obtained by using the
senses
– They often lead to questions
Form a Hypothesis
• Hypothesis
– An idea or explanation that is based on
observations and that can be tested
– Most are based on known facts about similar
events
Test the Hypothesis
• An experiment is a procedure that is carried out
according to certain guidelines
• Factors that can be changed in an experiment are
variables
• Variables:
– Independent Variable
• In an experiment, the factor that is deliberately manipulated
– Dependent Variable
• In an experiment, the factor that changes as a result of
manipulation of one or more other factors
Draw Conclusions
• After many experiments and observations, a
scientist may reach conclusions about his or
her hypothesis
• If the hypothesis fits the know facts
– It is accepted as TRUE
• If results differ
– It may be changed or discarded
Scientific Measurements and Analysis
• Measurement
– The comparison of some aspect of an object or
event with a standard unit
• International System of Units (SI)
– This system includes standard measurements for:
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Length
Mass
Temperature
Volume
Accuracy and Precision
• Accuracy
– How close the measurement is to the true value of
the thing being measured
• Precision
– The exactness of the measurement
Error
• An expression of the amount of imprecision or
variation in a set of measurements
• Expressed as a Percentage Error:
Observations and Models
• Model
– A description, representation, or imitation of an
object, system, process, or concept
• Physical Models
• Graphical Models
Acceptance of Scientific Ideas
• When scientist reach a conclusion, they
introduce their findings to the scientific
community
• New scientific ideas undergo review and
testing by other scientist before the ideas are
accepted
Publication of Results and Conclusions
• Scientist commonly present the results of
their work in scientific journal or a
professional meetings
• Many journal are now being published online
to allow scientist quicker access to the results
of other scientist
Peer Review
• The process in which several experts on a
given topic review another expert’s work on
that topic before the work gets published
• Serves as a filter, which allows only wellsupported ideas to be published
Formulating a Theory
• The explanation for some phenomenon that is
based on observation, experimentation, and
reasoning; that is supported by a large
quantity of evidence; and that does not
conflict with any existing experimental results
or observations
The Importance of Interdisciplinary
Science
• The free exchange of ideas between fields of
science allows scientist to identify
explanations that fit a wide range of scientific
evidence
Science and Society
• Scientific knowledge helps us understand our
world
• Science is a part of society, and advances in
science can have important and long-lasting
effects on both science and society