8580 16th Ave, Burnaby, British Columbia V3N 1S6
[email protected]
Toll Free: 1-888-479-8882
Fax:604-664-2527
Phone: 604-664-2526
Introductory Assignment
Course:
Earth Science 11
Teacher:
Email:
F. Tsen
[email protected]
SUBMIT THE ASSIGNMENT PAGES ONLY
Introduction to Earth Science
Earth Science covers all of the scientific disciplines that study the Earth and the
other neighbouring planets. It includes topicss such as:
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Geology (study of the Earth)
Oceanography (study of the oceans)
Meteorology (study of the atmosphere)
Astronomy (study of the universe)
The Scientific Method
Earth Science uses the scientific method to develop its theories and principles in the
same way as other branches of scientific research.
The Scientific Method uses a specific process to obtain information. It consists of:
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Making observations of the world around us
Formulating a hypothesis
Testing the hypothesis through experimentation
Modifying and testing the hypothesis as needed
A hypothesis is a possible explanation for an observable phenomenon.
With enough evidence to support a hypothesis it can make the transition from
hypothesis to a theory
One of the key elements of the scientific method is that results are repeatable and
testable; this is why when performing scientific experiments it is important to take
careful notes.
Source: CIDES
Spheres of the Earth
The Earth is divided into four main components:
Hydrosphere – this includes all of the
water on the surface of the Earth
Atmosphere – this is the layer of gases
surrounding the Earth
Solid Earth – this includes the core,
mantle and crust (lithosphere) of the Earth.
Solid Earth makes up the continents and
ocean basins
Biosphere – this includes all the life or
biological organisms within the other three
components
The different spheres of the Earth are interconnected through a large number of interactions
which scientists study
In Earth Science we are primarily concerned with how the
hydrosphere, atmosphere and lithosphere interact, but all
three of these impact the biosphere when they change
Interactions frequently occur between the hydrosphere and
the atmosphere, for example when water evaporates to
form clouds, when precipitation falls into the oceans, and
when winds move the waters of the ocean.
The hydrosphere and the lithosphere interact when a river
cuts through soil and rock layers, when sediment is
deposited in river deltas and lake bottoms, and when
waves and currents shape the ocean floor (or vice versa).
The atmosphere and the lithosphere interact when air
comes into contact with rocks and soil. One of the most
visible reactions that take place through this contact are the
oxidation of minerals in the rock to create red, yellow,
orange, and other colours of rock on the surface of the
Earth.
Source: CIDES
8580 16th Ave, Burnaby, British Columbia V3N 1S6
[email protected]
Toll Free: 1-888-479-8882
Fax:604-664-2527
Phone: 604-664-2526
Introductory Assignment
SUBMIT THESE PAGES ONLY WITH YOUR REGISTRATION FORM
Course:
Earth Science 11
Teacher:
Name:
(Print clearly)
F. Tsen
Date:
Last Name
First Name
Mark: _____/30 = _____%
Teacher Use
Course Plan
Feedback and Communication
1. What are three occupations that would involve study of Earth Science? (3 marks)
2. The steps in the scientific method are: (4 marks)
3. What is a hypothesis? (1 mark)
4. What is needed for a hypothesis to become a theory? (1 mark)
5. What are the key elements needed for an experiment to be scientific? (2 marks)
6. How could you ensure that the key elements are possible when designing an
experiment? (1 mark)
ESC11-IA
Source: CIDES
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7. What are the four main components of Earth? (4 marks)
8. The continents are part of the __________________________. (1 mark)
9. The layers of the Earth that are part of the solid Earth include: (3 marks)
10. What is one way that the hydrosphere interacts with the atmosphere? (1 mark)
11. What is one way that the atmosphere interacts with the solid Earth? (1 mark)
12. What is one way that the solid Earth interacts with the hydrosphere? (1 mark)
13. What are two ways that the biosphere could interact with the other spheres of
the Earth? (2 marks)
14. How do you think changes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere or solid earth would
impact the biosphere? (5 marks)
ESC11-IA
Source: CIDES
p 2 of 2