Introduction to Earth Science

Section 1- What is Earth ScienceSection 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

• 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:• 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 well-supported 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