Introduction

Earth science is the study of 'non-living' things such as; Weather, Climate, Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Rocks, Minerals, Space, Erosion, Water, Soil, Air, and other Earth's processes, like Plate tectonics. It is important that we study these natural phenomenon for many reasons. In May 2013 Moore, Oklahoma was hit by a tornado. The tornado was part of a larger weather system that had produced several other tornadoes over the previous two days. The tornado touched down west of Newcastle at 2:56 p.m. CDT (19:56 UTC), staying on the ground for 39 minutes over a 17-mile (27 km) path, crossing through a heavily populated section of Moore. The tornado was 1.3 miles (2.1 km) wide at its peak. The 2013 Moore tornado was an EF5 tornado with peak winds estimated at 210 miles per hour (340 km/h), killing 23 people (+2 indirectly) and injuring 377 others. Understanding severe weather can help you and me prepare for these events so that we can remain safe. Additionally, think of the domino effect brought about due to this storm. Tornadoes like this one can demolish buildings, rip apart power lines, gas lines, polluting water and sometimes even the air. We all can do our part to protect our earth and to prepare and plan for dangerous natural events.

Essential Questions:

How do I actively make observations as part of the scientific inquiry process?
How do I compare and contrast qualitative data with quantitative data?
How does a dependent variable differ from an independent variable in an experiment?
How can models help develop an understanding of systems?
What are the characteristics of science?

Key Terms

1. Science: use of evidence to construct testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, as well as the knowledge generated through this process (National Academy of Science).
2. Scientific Hypothesis: tentative and testable statements that must be capable of being supported or not supported by observational evidence.
3. System: a group of interacting parts that form a complex whole.
4. Observation: information collected by using one or more of the five senses.
5. Inference: a logical interpretation of data based on his or her prior knowledge based on experience.
6. Dependent variable: the observable or measurable results.
7. Independent variable: or changed variable.
8. Controlled variable: a variable that is not changed and will remain the same
9. Constant: in a controlled experiment, the constant represents all conditions that are kept identical in both the experimental and control groups.
10. Quantitative data: Information that can be counted or measured.
11. Qualitative data: Information that is observed with the senses but not easily quantified.
12. Metric System: A system of measurement used by scientists.
13. Scientific inquiry: refers to the activities through which students develop knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, as well as an understanding of how scientists study the natural world.
14. Graph: a chart or diagram of quantitative data that helps the viewer understand.
15. Evidence: supporting information

Key Terms Review

[CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION