Earth science is a general term referring to any studies that relate to the earth or neighboring planets in our solar system. The four major fields in earth science include geology, the study of the earth's structure;meteorology, the study of the weather and atmosphere; oceanography, the study of the oceans; and astronomy, the study of the universe.
Environmental science is the field of science that studies the interactions of the physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment and also the relationships and effects of these components with the organisms in the environment. The field of environmental science can be divided into three main goals, which are to learn how the natural world works, to understand how we as humans interact with the environment, and also to determine how we affect the environment. The third goal of determining how humans affect the environment also includes finding ways to deal with these effects on the environment.
Earth's physical environment is traditionally divided into three major parts: the solid Earth or lithosphere (geosphere); the water portion of our planet, the hydrosphere; and Earth's gaseous envelope, the atmosphere. In addition, the interaction of these three physical realms with all living organisms (microbes, plants, and animals) make up the biosphere,.
Why study Earth Science?
Students who study the earth sciences will better understand the value of the Earth’s resources, how its components are related, and the need to care for the Earth. Men and women who possess a basic understanding of the Earth will be able to participate as informed citizens in policy debates, such as those about climate change. Society will be the ultimate beneficiary as its citizens become more aware of the science that explains weather, Earth’s water, the oceans, and the Earth itself. Students will also will benefit from learning the critical thinking skills associated with scientific endeavors and learning more about how the world works.
Why is Environmental Science important?
At this current time, the world around us is changing at a very rapid pace. Some changes are beneficial, but many of the changes are causing damage to our planet. The field of environmental science is a valuable resource for learning more about these changes and how they affect the world we live in.
What change has recently occurred that threatens the environment?
Let's examine a major change that is currently occurring and its relationship to environmental science. The large change is the dramatic increase in the number of humans on earth. For most of human history, the population has been less than a million people, but the current population has skyrocketed to over seven billion people. This equals out to seven thousand times more people! Due to this increase in the human population, there has also been an increase in pressure on the natural resources and ecosystem services that we rely on for survival.
How does the increase in the human population affect the environment?
Natural resources include a variety of substances and energy sources that we take from the environment and use. Natural resources can be divided into renewable and nonrenewable resources. Renewable natural resources are substances that can be replenished over a period of time, such as sunlight, wind, soil, and timber. On the other hand, nonrenewable natural resources are substances that are in finite supply and will run out. Nonrenewable resources include minerals and crude oils.
Due to the increase in the human population, natural resources are being used up at a more rapid rate than in the past. Although renewable natural resources can be replenished, when they are used too rapidly, they cannot be replenished fast enough to meet human demand. Even worse, when nonrenewable natural resources are used too rapidly, they become closer to running out completely and being gone forever.
What are ecosystem services?
Natural resources have been referred to as the 'merchandise' produced by the environment, and in this respect, ecosystem services are the 'facilities' that we rely on to help produce the merchandise. Ecosystem services are the environment's natural processes that provide us with the resources we need to support life. Common ecosystem services include water and air purification, nutrient cycling, climate regulation, pollinating of plants, and the recycling of waste. Just like some natural resources, ecosystem services are also limited and can be used up if not regulated.
Science As Inquiry
Inquiry should be the central theme in earth/environmental science. It is an integral part of the learning experience and may be used in both traditional class problems and laboratory experiences. The essence of the inquiry process is to ask questions that stimulate students to think critically and to formulate their own questions. Observing, classifying, using numbers, plotting graphs, measuring, inferring, predicting, formulating models, interpreting data, hypothesizing, and experimenting help students build knowledge and communicate what they have learned.
Inquiry applies creative thinking to new and unfamiliar situations. Students should learn to design solutions to problems that interest them. This may be accomplished in a variety of ways, but situations that present a discrepant event or ones that challenge students’ intuitions have been successful. For example, traditional labs, which emphasize observation of the sun or identification and classification of sediments, may be quite appropriate. These labs should, however, lead to open-ended explorations such as investigation of sun spot activity or the factors that influence the sorting of sediments. Although original student research has often been relegated to a yearly science fair project, continuing student research contributes immensely to understanding of the process of science and Revised 2004 117 Earth/Environmental Science to problem-solving abilities.
Earth/Environmental science provides many opportunities for inquiry. "Why does the location of sunrise or sunset change through the year?" "Why are sedimentary rock layers tipped at an angle?" "Why do sunspots move faster near the sun’s equator?" The processes of inquiry, experimental design, investigation, and analysis are as important as finding the correct answer. Students will acquire much more than facts and manipulative skills; they will learn to be critical thinkers.
A solid conceptual base of scientific principles, as well as knowledge of science safety is necessary for inquiry. Students should be given a supportive learning environment based on how scientists and engineers work. Adherence to all science safety criteria and guidelines for classroom, field, and laboratory experiences is imperative.
Science & Technology
It is impossible to learn science without developing some appreciation of technology. Therefore, this strand has a dual purpose: (a) developing students’ knowledge and skills in technological design, and (b) enhancing their understanding of science and technology. The methods of scientific inquiry and technological design share many common elements - objectivity, clear definition of the problem, identification of goals, careful collection of observations and data, data analysis, replication of results, and peer review. Technological design differs from inquiry in that it must operate within the limitations of materials, scientific laws, economics, and the demands of society. Together, science and technology present many solutions to problems of survival and enhance the quality of life. Technological design plays an important role in earth/environmental science. For example, telescopes, lasers, satellites, transistors, graphing calculators, personal computers, and seismographs have changed our lives, increased our knowledge of earth/environmental science, and improved our understanding of the universe.
North Carolina's Standard Course of Study defines the appropriate content standards for each grade level and each high school course to provide a uniform set of learning standards for every public school in North Carolina. These standards define what students should know, understand, and be able to do. Based on a philosophy of teaching and learning that is consistent with current research, exemplary practices, and national standards, the Standard Course of Study is designed to support North Carolina educators in providing the most challenging education possible for the state’s students. The goal of these standards is to prepare all students to become career and college ready. The document below will provide you with the Essential Standards for Earth and Environmental Science. They represent the minimum of what will be taught in the class. In an effort to provide a more comprehensive context for concepts, additional materials will be taught.