Earth As A Earth As A System and The System and The

Nature of Nature of ScienceScience

Chapter 1Chapter 1

Chapter 2Chapter 2

Views of the EarthViews of the Earth• Past Perceptions

– Myths and legends – We were the center

of the universe (all important)

– Perceptions based on observation

Rise of the SystemRise of the System• Five major systems

that encompass earth science:

1. Geosphere (land) 2. Atmosphere(weather)3. Biosphere (living

things) 4. Cryosphere (ice) 5. Hydrosphere (water)• All five work together

Continue…Continue…

• A system– Group of related objects or

components that interact to create a whole

• Types of Systems:– Open (water cycle)– Closed (submarine)

*The difference between an open and closed system is in an open system matter and energy can move with the surroundings.

*In a closed system energy can move but matter cannot move.

Nature, Science, Human…Nature, Science, Human…• Humans have

realized that they impact the world and have led to important changes

• Not easy to balance human needs/wants with what is best for nature.

• Understanding the issues and making the decisions about them require an understanding of the earth sciences.

Branches of ScienceBranches of Science• Biology: the study of

living organisms and their function

• Chemistry: the study of properties and composition of matter

• Physics: the study of forces, motion, and energy and its affect on matter

• Earth Science: the name for all the science that collectively seek to understand the earth and it neighbors in space.

GEOSCIENCEPHYSICS

CHEMISTRY

BIOLOGY

OMEGAOMEGA• The five parts of

earth science • Each interacts with

the others• Each a specialty• OMEGA: acronym for

Oceanography, Meteorology, Ecology/ Environmental, Geology, and Astronomy

Four SpheresFour Spheres• The only planet to sustain

life due so because of the interaction of the spheres– Atmosphere– Biosphere– Geosphere/Lithosphere– Hydrosphere

WATER CYCLEWATER CYCLE• Water cycle

continuously moves water from the surface to the atmosphere

Energy CycleEnergy Cycle• Energy Cycle

shows the continual movement of all energy between the earth and sun and between the spheres themselves

Carbon CYCLECarbon CYCLE• Carbon Cycle is

the “biogeochemical” movement of the element carbon throughout the spheres.

The Scientist’s MindThe Scientist’s Mind• Coming from

varied backgrounds, scientist share a commonality: of observing the world and solving problems

Different Lives; Common Different Lives; Common Goals:Goals:

• Carl Sagan• Enriqueta Barrera• Evan B. Forde

Qualities of Scientific Qualities of Scientific ThinkingThinking

• Asking questions• Observant• Prediction of results • Hypothesis/Theory/Law• Technology

Methods of InquiryMethods of Inquiry• Scientific Method

– State the Problem– Research the problem– Hypothesis– Experiment– Analyze Results– Draw Conclusion

Peer ReviewPeer Review

• Experiment are continually judge for accuracy; research technique and for non-biased information

• Control: A standard of comparison; does not change.

• Variable: 2 types– Independent: The

variable that is being tested

– Dependent: The results of the change.

• HYPOTHESIS: an educated guess• THEORY: a tested, educated

guess• SCIENTIFIC LAW: a proven,

tested, educated guess

All this testing All this testing for….for….

• ACCURACY: is an estimate (all darts close to the center of the target)

• PRECISION: us correct but not close (all darts are near the bottom but not near the center of the target)

What’s the difference? Its What’s the difference? Its close enough!!close enough!!

Scientists’ ToolsScientists’ Tools• Computers• Satellites• Telescopes• Hammer/chisel• Eyes/ears• Pencil• Your Brain!