Download The Nature of Science - Clinton Public Schools

The Nature of Science
Chapter 1
Earth Science
Earth Science encompasses 5 areas of study:
A. Astronomy
B. Meteorology
C. Geology
D. Oceanography
E. Environmental science
Astronomy
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
The study of objects beyond Earth’s
atmosphere
Includes: galaxies, stars, planets, and other
bodies in space
Meteorology


The study of the forces and processes that
cause the atmosphere to change and
produce weather
Meteorologists forecast the weather and
determine it’s affect on Earth’s climate.
Geology


The study of the materials that make up the
Earth, the processes that change these
materials, and the history of the planet and
it’s life-forms
Geologists identify rocks, study glaciers, and
determine how forces change our planet.
Oceanography


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The study of Earth’s oceans
Oceans cover nearly ¾ of our planet
Oceanographers study ocean animals,
measure chemical and physical properties of
the ocean, and observe processes that occur
in these bodies of water
Environmental Science

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
The study of the interaction of organisms and
their surroundings
Topics include natural resources, pollution,
alternative energy sources, and the impact of
humans on the atmosphere
Environmental scientists study how
organisms can positively or negatively affect
the environment
Subspecialties

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The study of Earth is very broad
Subspecialties are found in each of the 5
major areas of study
Complete the worksheet by matching the
subspecialties to their specific area of study
Earth’s Systems

A.
B.
C.
D.

Earth can be divided into 4 main systems:
Geosphere
Atmosphere
Hydrosphere
Biosphere
Each system is unique, yet interacts with
the others.
Geosphere


The surface of the Earth down to it’s center
Includes:

Crust

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Continental
Oceanic
Mantle
Core
Atmosphere


The blanket of gases that surround our planet
Gases include:




78% Nitrogen
21% Oxygen
1% Trace gases
Provides oxygen, protects us from UV rays,
and maintains a livable temperature
Hydrosphere



All of the water on Earth, including the water
in the atmosphere
97% saltwater
3% freshwater (lakes, glaciers, rivers, and
groundwater)
Biosphere


Includes all organisms on Earth and their
environments
All of Earth’s life-forms require interaction
with at least one other system to ensure
survival
Technology

The application of knowledge gained from
scientific research to solve society’s needs
and problems