Earth Science
Chapter 1 Study Guide
Please be sure to review all of your notes!!!
What is Earth Science?
Earth Science - the study of the Earth and the universe around it.
Branches of Earth Science (there are 4 major areas of study)
Geology- the study of the origin, history and structure of the Earth and the processes that shape it
Oceanography- the study of the ocean. This also includes the properties and movements of water and the ocean floor
Meteorology- the study of the Earth’s atmosphere such as the weather and climate
Astronomy – the study of the universe. (example meteors and comets)
Technology plays an important role in Earth Science because it helps scientists make many observations and learn about the Earth we live in.
Science as a Process
The scientific method helps scientists solve problems. There are 6 steps.
1. Define the problem (what do we want to know?)
2. Form a hypothesis (If…then…because)
3. Conduct an experiment (test the hypothesis)
4. Collect and analyze data (write this information down when experimenting)
5. Make conclusion
Observation – information that you received by using your five senses
Hypothesis- an idea that you can test or explain which will lead to a scientific investigation
When you test a hypothesis you will have variables which are factors that can be changed in an experiment. There are independent variables and dependent variables.
Independent variables- something you control
*It is important to note that when you are doing an experiment you should only change one independent variable at a time.
Dependent variables – something that you observe or measure and changes as a result of the independent variable
When you are performing an experiment it is important to look for accuracy and precision.
Accuracy- how close a measurement is to the “true” or “real” value
Precision – the exactness of the measurement (doing something over and over again and getting the same result)
Theory – a system of ideas which explain many related observations. A theory is supported by a large body of evidence which is achieved through scientific investigation
Metric System
Review the information below to help you make conversions and to answer the questions on the next page.
What is the base SI Unit for length? _______________________
What is the base SI Unit for volume? _______________________
How do we measure density? _______________________
What is the base SI Unit for mass? _______________________