Introduction to Earth/Environmental Science 1. Geology - Study of the origin, history, and structure of the earth 2. Meteorology - Study atmosphere, especially weather & weather conditions 3. Oceanography - Study of the ocean and its phenomena 4. Astronomy - Study of the position, composition of stars, planets & other objects I. OBSERVATION: A. The five senses include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. B. Testing your powers of observation: 1. Use only your sense of sight to make observations to determine: A. Which (if any) of the three center circles is largest or smallest. Is this a young woman or an old woman? 2. How can we determine if our power of observation using only sight was accurate? Intro to Earth NC 8/21/2013 1
Our powers of observation are limited by our senses. C. can be used to improve or extend our powers of observation. These devices have been invented by people to, and thus enable us to make observations that would otherwise be impossible or highly inaccurate. II. on observations. They may or may not be true. - An interpretation or a conclusion (educated guess) based Read the following statements and place an O for observation or an I for inference: 1. a. The tire has a leak. b. The tire is flat. 3. a. There is a track on this trail. b. The track was made by a large deer. III. Measurement A. A measurement is a way of expressing an observation with greater precision. It provides a numerical value for some property of the object or the event being observed. 1. All measurements consist of: (a) (b) 2. Properties that can be measured include; length, area, volume, mass, weight, temperature, density, time, etc. B. Linear Measurement (or one dimensional ) 1. Instrument 2. Unit Meter a) centi 1/100 meter centimeters = 1 meter b) milli 1/1000 meter millimeters = 1 meter c) kilo 1000 meters kilometer = 1000 m Intro to Earth NC 8/21/2013 2
Using the model below, give the value of each dot to the nearest one (1.0) millimeter, and then convert to centimeters. A B C D E G F C millimeters, or centimeters E millimeters, or centimeters G millimeters, or centimeters C. Mass 1. Instrument 2. Units: (a) (b) D. Concentration of matter in an object expressed in a ratio of mass percent per unit volume Intro to Earth NC 8/21/2013 3
IV. Errors Since all measurements are made by senses or by extensions of senses (instruments), they cannot be expected to be exact. Therefore a small margin of error is expected. V. Nature of Change The Earth environment is in a constant state of change. These changes can be (ex: Volcanic eruption) or (ex: Tides). Earth s tendency to try to balance opposing forces. VI. Methods of Science To answer questions, scientists use many approaches, but they all use common steps known as the SCIENTIFIC METHOD 1. - Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation 2. - Make observations and research your topic of interest. 3. - Possible explanation for the problem. - Must be testable! - Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase. 4. Experiment - Develop a procedure to test your hypothesis. Must be measurable (quantifiable). 5. Collect & Analyze Results/Data - is information obtained from an experiment Can disprove or prove a hypothesis Include tables, graphs & photographs, numbers, descriptors 6. - Statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis. Make recommendations for further study Intro to Earth NC 8/21/2013 4
VII. Representing Data - A visual representation of data collected in an experiment 1. Line - Shows trends easily Variables - On the X axis and On the Y axis Relationship - Both variables change in the same direction (both increase) Inverse ( ) Relationship - When one variable increases as the other decreases. You would say as pressure increases, the volume of the gas decreases. Intro to Earth NC 8/21/2013 5
Cyclic changes: involve events that repeat in and in an orderly manner. Ex: Tides Making a prediction about a future event based on the graphed data. The "trend" of the data is extended past the last point given and an estimate made of the value. 2. Bar -. 3. Pie -. Intro to Earth NC 8/21/2013 6