Vocabulary
conceptual model An abstract, mental representation of something using thoughts and
ideas instead of physical objects.
control Factors that are kept the same in an experiment, in order to focus just on the
independent and dependent variables.
dependent variable The variable in an experiment that you are measuring as you change
the independent variable. It ”depends” on the independent variable.
hypothesis A good working explanation for a problem that can be tested.
independent variable The variable (or thing) in an experiment that is controlled and
changed by the researcher.
mathematical model A set of mathematical equations and numbers that simulates a
natural system being modeled.
physical model A representation of something using objects.
theory A hypothesis that has been repeatedly tested and proven to be true.
Points to Consider
- WhatpartsoftheEarthdoyouthinkaremostimportantandshouldbebetterstudied?
- What type of model have you had experience with? What did you learn from it?
- What situations are both necessary and dangerous for scientists to study? What
precautions do you think they should use when they study them? - If you could go anywhere, where would it be? What safety equipment or precautions
would you take?
1.2 Earth Science and Its Branches
Lesson Objectives
- Define and describe Earth Science as a general field with many branches.
- Identify the field of geology as a branch of Earth Science that deals with the solid part
of the Earth.