Transcript The Scope of Earth Science

Earth and Environmental Science –
The Nature of Science
Chapter 1
How do we use science to study the
Earth?
What tools do we use?
How do we share our findings?
What are the major fields of Earth
Science?
Inference
Read the following story and then indicate your response to each of the statements
printed below the story.
A business man had just turned off the lights in the store when a man appeared
and demanded money. The owner opened the cash register. The contents of
the cash register were scooped up and the man sped away. A member of the
police force was notified promptly.
Indicate your response to each of the following statements, by checking "True" if you
believe it to be true, "False" if you believe it to be false, and "???" if you cannot
determine whether it is true or false.
True False ???
1. _____ A man appeared after the owner had turned off the store lights.
2. _____ A man received cash.
3. _____ The robber was a man.
4. _____ The man who opened the cash register was the owner.
5. _____ The store owner scooped up the contents of the cash register.
6. _____ Someone opened a cash register.
7. _____ The cash register was empty when the owner opened it.
8. _____ After the man scooped up the contents of the cash register, he ran away.
Inference handout
Directions
To unlock the secrets of Science, ALL that is needed is curiosity, a well-ordered or logical mind,
patience, ABILITY TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS, a respect for safety while dealing with
equipment and chemicals, and (last, but not least) a knowledge of elementary mathematics.
FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS EXERCISE
The answer to each question is yes. If you cannot answer yes, go back and redo the previous step
or steps.
1. Obtain a square sheet of paper.
2. Fold the paper diagonally.
3. Position the triangle on the desk with the long side facing you.
4. From left t o right, 1abe1 the corners A, B, C.
5. Fold point C along edge AB, so that the top edge of the fold is parallel to the base of the original
triangle. Do you see three triangles?
6. From left to right, label the corners of the triangle you just made D, E, F.
7. Fold A to point F. Do you see four triangles? If not, Go back two steps.
8. Fold a single layer of side B down in front as far as it will go.
9. Turn facedown the side with E showing.
10. Fold the flap, which is now showing, as far down as it w ill go.
11. Fill the CUP with water. Is it watertight? If it leaks, get a new piece of paper and go back to
step 1.
Essential Questions / Objectives
• What are the four major branches of Earth
science?
• Contrast the four systems of Earth.
• Discuss how Earth science affects your daily life.
Vocabulary
–
–
–
–
–
astronomy
meteorology
geology
oceanography
lithosphere
–
–
–
–
asthenosphere
hydrosphere
atmosphere
biosphere
Scope of Earth Science Handout
Earth
Science
The
Scope of
Earth
Science
Includes 4
major fields
Astronomy
Meteorology
Geology
Oceanography
• The field of Earth Science can be broken into four major areas of
specialization: astronomy, meteorology, geology, and oceanography.
Astronomy
– Astronomy is the study of objects beyond
Earth’s atmosphere.
– Astronomers study the universe and
everything in it, including Earth, its
neighbors, and other bodies in the
universe.
How does our position in the solar system influence life on Earth?
Earth
Science
The
Scope
of Earth
Science
Includes 4
major fields
Astronomy
Meteorology
Geology
Oceanography
Meteorology
– Meteorology is the branch of Earth science that studies the air that
surrounds our planet.
– Meteorologists study the forces and
processes that cause the atmosphere to
change to produce weather.
– They also try to predict the weather and
how changes in weather might affect
Earth’s climate.
An introduction to weather and climate
Earth
Science
The
Scope
of Earth
Science
Includes 4
major fields
Astronomy
Meteorology
Geology
– Geology is the study of the materials
that make up Earth and the processes
that form and change these materials.
– Geologists identify rocks, study glacial
movements, interpret clues to Earth’s
4.6 billion-year history, and determine
how forces change our planet, among
many other things.
Why Study Geology? The Dynamic Earth
Geology
Oceanography
Earth
Science
The
Scope
of Earth
Science
Includes 4
major fields
Astronomy
Meteorology
Oceanography
– Oceanography is the study of Earth’s
oceans, which cover nearly threefourths of the planet.
– Oceanographers study the creatures
that inhabit salty water, measure
different physical and chemical
properties of the oceans, and observe
various processes in these bodies of
water. Why study the oceans?
Geology
Oceanography
The Scope of Earth Science
Table 1-1 Some Subspecialties of Earth Science
Subspecialty
Climatology
Paleontology
Hydrology
Subjects Studied
Patterns of weather over a long period
of time; effects of human activities on
weather and climate
Remains of organisms that once lived
on Earth; ancient environments
Water flow on and below Earth’s
surface; sources of and solutions to
water pollution
The Scope of Earth Science
Table 1-1 Some Subspecialties of Earth Science
Subspecialty
Subjects Studied
Ecology
Habitats of organisms and how
organisms interact with each other and
their environments
Geochemistry
Earth’s composition and the processes
that change it
Tectonics
Effects of internal processes on Earth’s
surface, including earthquakes and
mountain building
Earth
Science
Includes 4
major fields
Astronomy
Meteorology
Geology
Oceanography
Where do the following subspecialties fit in the four major branches of
Earth Science?
Ecology
Tectonic
Geochemistry
Paleontology
Hydrology
Cosmology
Climatology
Where do the following subspecialties fit in the four major branches of
Earth Science?
Earth Science
Major
branches
in Earth
Science
Astronomy
Meteorology
Geology
Oceanography
Subspecialties
Ecology
Tectonic
Geochemistry
Paleontology
Hydrology
Cosmology
Climatology
Earth’s Systems
•
Scientists who study Earth have
identified four main Earth
systems: the lithosphere, the
hydrosphere, the atmosphere,
and the biosphere.
The Lithosphere
– Earth’s lithosphere is the rigid
outer shell of the planet and
includes the crust and the solid,
uppermost part of the layer
below the crust, the mantle.
– There are two kinds of crust:
continental crust,
made mostly of granite, and
oceanic crust which is
primarily basalt.
Earth Systems handout
Earth’s Systems
The Lithosphere
– Some of Earth’s upper
mantle behaves like a rigid
solid while other parts of
this layer are partially
molten and flow like a soft
plastic.
– This partially molten layer of
the mantle is the
asthenosphere.
– Beneath Earth’s mantle is the
core, which can be divided into
two parts: an outer, liquid part
and a solid, inner part.
– Earth’s core and
asthenosphere are not parts of
the lithosphere but they do
interact with it.
Earth’s Systems
The Hydrosphere
– The hydrosphere consists of
the water in Earth’s oceans,
seas, lakes, rivers, and
glaciers, as well as the water
in the atmosphere.
– About 97 percent of Earth’s
water exists as salt water;
the remaining 3 percent is
freshwater contained in glaciers,
in lakes and rivers, and beneath
Earth’s surface as groundwater.
Earth’s Systems
The Atmosphere
– The atmosphere is the
blanket of gases that
surrounds our planet.
– Earth’s atmosphere is
necessary for respiration by
most living things, protects
Earth’s inhabitants from
harmful radiation from the Sun,
and helps to keep the planet at
a temperature suitable for life.
Earth’s Systems
The Biosphere
– The biosphere includes all
organisms on Earth as well
as the environments in
which they live.
– With some exceptions,
most organisms exist
within a few meters of
Earth’s surface.
Earth Science in Your Everyday Life
• You and the billions of other life-forms that live on Earth are part of
the biosphere.
Technology
– The study of science,
including Earth science, has
led to the discovery of many
things that you use
every day.
– This application of scientific
discoveries is called
technology.
– Technology is transferable,
which means that it can be
applied to new situations.
Remote Sensing
Earth Science
White Board Section Assessment
1. Match the following terms with their definitions.
___
C geology
___
D oceanography
___
B meteorology
___
A astronomy
A. the study of objects beyond
Earth’s atmosphere
B. the study of the air that
surrounds Earth
C. the study of the materials that
make up Earth and the
processes that form and
change these materials
D. the study of Earth’s oceans
Earth Science
Section Assessment
2. Which subspecialties of Earth science would
apply to the following subjects?
Tectonics
_____________
Earthquakes along the San Andreas fault
Paleontology Effects of climatic change on dinosaurs
_____________
Hydrology Water flow into the Ogallala aquifer
_____________
Ecology
_____________
The effects of logging on the Spotted Owl
Climatology Long term weather patterns in New England
_____________
Earth Science
Section Assessment
3. Identify whether the following statements are
true or false.
______
false The asthenosphere is part of the lithosphere.
______
true You are part of the biosphere.
______
true Less than 5% of Earth’s water is fresh water.
______
false The Earth’s biosphere, lithosphere,
hydrosphere, and atmosphere are
independent systems.
Essential Questions / Objectives
• What are the steps used in a scientific method.
• Compare and contrast experimental variables
and controls.
• Identify basic SI units.
• Explain how to write numbers using scientific notation.
Vocabulary
– hypothesis
– independent
variable
– dependent
variable
– control
– Le Système International
d’Unités (SI)
– scientific notation
The Nature of Scientific Investigations
Experimentation
•
Once the problem is defined and research is complete, a hypothesis, or
suggested explanation for an observation, is made.
– A hypothesis is tested by conducting an experiment, which is an organized
procedure that involves making measurements and observations.
– A good scientific experiment tests only one variable, or changeable factor,
at a time.
•
The independent variable (manipulated) in an experiment is the
factor that is manipulated by the experimenter.
•
A dependent variable (responding) is a factor that can change if
the independent variable is changed.
– A control is used to show that the results of an experiment are a result of
the condition being tested.
The Nature of Scientific Investigations
Scientific Method
Designing an
Experiment
State the Problem
Analyze Results
Form a Hypothesis
Draw a Conclusion
Set Up a Controlled Experiment
Publish Results
Record Results
Scientific Method Activity
1. Control Group
Smithers thinks that a special juice will
increase the productivity of workers. He
creates two groups of 50 workers each and
assigns each group the same task (in this
case, they're supposed to staple a set of
papers). Group A is given the special juice to
drink while they work. Group B is not given
the special juice. After an hour, Smithers
counts how many stacks of papers each
group has made. Group A made 1,587
stacks, Group B made 2,113 stacks.
2. Independent Variable (manipulated variable)
3. Dependent Variable (responding variable)
4. What should Smithers' conclusion be?
5. How could this experiment be improved?
Homer notices that his shower is covered in a
strange green slime. His friend Barney tells
him that coconut juice will get rid of the green
slime. Homer decides to check this this out by
spraying half of the shower with coconut
juice. He sprays the other half of the shower
with water. After 3 days of "treatment" there is
no change in the appearance of the green
slime on either side of the shower.
6. What was the initial observation?
7. Identify the Control Group
8. Independent Variable
9. Dependent Variable
10. What should Homer's conclusion be?
Identify the11. Control Group
Bart believes that mice exposed to microwaves
will become extra strong (maybe he's been
reading too much Radioactive Man). He decides
to perform this experiment by placing 10 mice in a
microwave for 10 seconds. He compared these 10
mice to another 10 mice that had not been
exposed. His test consisted of a heavy block of
wood that blocked the mouse food. he found that
8 out of 10 of the microwaved mice were able to
push the block away. 7 out of 10 of the nonmicrowaved mice were able to do the same.
12. Independent Variable
13. Dependent Variable
14. What should Bart's conclusion be?
15. How could Bart's experiment be improved?
Krusty was told that a certain itching powder was the
newest best thing on the market, it even claims to
cause 50% longer lasting itches. Interested in this
product, he buys the itching powder and compares it
to his usual product. One test subject (A) is
sprinkled with the original itching powder, and
another test subject (B) was sprinkled with the
Experimental itching powder. Subject A reported
having itches for 30 minutes. Subject B reported to
have itches for 45 minutes.
Identify the16. Control Group
17. Independent Variable
18. Dependent Variable
19. Explain whether the data supports the advertisements claims about
its product.
Lisa is working on a science project. Her task is to
answer the question: "Does Rogooti (which is a
commercial hair product) affect the speed of hair
growth". Her family is willing to volunteer for the
experiment.
20. Describe how Lisa would perform this experiment. Identify the
control group, and the independent and dependent variables in your
description.
Measurement
•
Most scientific studies and experiments use a standard system of metric units
called Le Système International d’Unités, or SI for short.
•
SI is a modern version of the metric system based on a decimal system
that uses the number 10 as the base unit.
Length
– The standard SI unit to
measure length is the
meter (m).
– The meter is divided into
100 equal parts called
centimeters (cm).
– The centimeter is
divided into 10 equal
parts called millimeters
(mm).
– Long distances are
measured in kilometers
(km) which is 1,000 m.
Weight and Mass
Weight is a measure of the
gravitational force on an object.
–Weight varies with location
depending on gravitational force.
–Weight is a force, and the SI unit
for force is the newton (N).
–Mass is the amount of matter in
an object.
–The mass of an object, unlike
weight, does not change with
an object’s position.
Introduction to Measurement
Methods of Scientists
Measurement
Area and Volume
– Area is the amount of surface included within a set of boundaries
and is expressed in square units of length, such as square meters
(m2).
– The amount of space occupied by an object is the object’s volume.
• The SI units for volume are derived from the SI units used to
measure length.
• The basic SI unit of volume for a regularly shaped, solid object is
the cubic meter (m3).
• SI measurements for liquid volumes are usually made in
milliliters (mL) or liters (L).
Measurement Activity
Methods of Scientists
Measurement
Density
– Density is a measure of the
amount of matter that occupies a
given space.
– Density is calculated by dividing
the mass of the matter by its
volume.
Time
– Time is the interval between
two events and is usually
measured with a watch or
clock.
– The SI unit of time is the
second (s).
Temperature
– Temperature is a measure of the average vibrations of the particles
that make up a material.
– A mass made up of particles that vibrate quickly has a higher
temperature than a mass whose particles vibrate more slowly.
– Temperature is measured in degrees with a thermometer.
• In science, temperature is often measured on the Celsius (C)
scale.
• In SI, temperature is measured on the Kelvin (K) scale.
Methods of Scientists
Scientific Notation
• To express numbers that are very large or small, scientists use a type of
shorthand called scientific notation to express the number as a
multiplier and a power of 10.
– In scientific notation, a number is expressed as a value between 1 and
10 multiplied by a power of 10.
– The power of 10 is the number of places the decimal point must be
shifted so that only a single digit remains either to the left or right of the
decimal point.
– If the decimal point must be shifted to the left, the exponent of 10 is positive.
– If the decimal point in a number must be shifted to the right, then the
exponent of 10 is negative.
For example:
90 000 000 000 =
9 X 1010
5 974 200 000 000 000 000 000 000 =
0.0000000001 =
1 X 10-10
5.9742 X 1024
Quantification of Environmental
Problems
Methods of Scientists
Section Assessment
1. Match the following terms with their definitions.
A. factor in an experiment that can
___
D hypothesis
change if the factor that is
___
B independent variable
manipulated by the experimenter
___
A dependent variable
___
C control
is changed
B. factor that is manipulated by the
experimenter in an experiment
C. standard for comparison in an
experiment
D. suggested explanation for an
observation often stated in the
form of a question that can be
answered by the results of an
experiment
Methods of Scientists
Section Assessment
2. Match the following SI units with the type of
measurement.
___
D Second (s)
___
E Kelvin (K)
A. mass
___
C Newton (N)
___
B Meter (m)
C. weight
___
A Kilogram (kg)
E. temperature
B. length
D. time
Methods of Scientists
Section Assessment
3. Express the following numbers in
scientific notation.
96,000,000,000
_____________
9.6 X 1010
0.000037
_____________
3.7 X 10-5
7,234,000
_____________
7.234 X 106
0.001
_____________
1 X 10-3
5,284,200,000,000
_____________
5.2842 X 1012
Communicating in Science
Objectives
• List several ways in which scientific information is
communicated.
• Differentiate between a scientific theory and a
scientific law.
Vocabulary
– theory
– law
Communicating in Science
Communicating Results
• One important goal of science is to make results
available to others.
• Communicating scientific data and results allows
others to learn of new discoveries, to possibly
verify what has been reported, and to conduct
new experiments using the information.
Communicating in Science
Communicating Results
Lab Reports
– Throughout this course, you will conduct many Earth
science experiments and activities.
– During and after each activity or experiment, you will be
asked to record and analyze the information that you
collected and to draw conclusions based on your data.
– Your resulting lab report, similar to
the one on the right, will be used to
assess your understanding of the
activity or experiment.
Communicating in Science
Communicating Results
Graphs
– A line graph is a visual
display that shows how
two variables are related.
y axis
– The independent
variable is plotted on
the horizontal (x) axis.
– The dependent
variable is plotted on
the vertical (y) axis.
x axis
Analyzing and Presenting Data
Y Axis – Dependent
Responding Variable
All graphs should include the
following:
Title
Units
Labels
Even spacing
The Line Graph -This kind of graph
shows the relationship between two
kinds of data in which the independent
variable is continuous.
X Axis – Independent Manipulated
Variable
The Bar Graph -Bar graphs are used
when there is no continuity from one
piece of data to the next.
Making graphs
Models
Flows (throughputs)
Outputs
Stores (storage areas)
• A scientific model is an idea, a system, or a mathematical
expression that is similar to the idea being explained.
– While a model might not have all of the components of a given
idea, it should be a fairly accurate representation.
– Models can change when more data is gathered.
Inputs
Scientists project the behavior of complex
systems by developing a model of its inputs,
throughputs (flows), and outputs of matter,
energy, and information
Introduction to
Environmental Modeling
Introduction to Environmental Modeling
INTRODUCTION
Modeling is a tool to simulate or recreate
reality. An environment model is a tool
specifically designed to simulate or
recreate the environment or, more
specifically, an environmental system. It is
often easier and less expensive to work
with models compared to the actual
system. However, models are valuable only
if they are properly constructed and are fed
good data; the popular saying "garbage in
garbage out" applies to modeling
The Copper Brothers Manufacturing Company is
located on the western shore of Valley Pond as shown
in Figure P13.2,
Models are generally of two types: static and dynamic. Static models are used to understand
the behavior of a system at rest. Economists use static models extensively. Dynamic models
allow us to examine a system over time and are used by environmental scientists to examine
changes to an ecosystem. Models have three basic components: 1) the underlying science, 2)
a mathematical representation of the science, and 3) a solution of the mathematics.
This Problem Set provides you with the opportunity to explain the basic concepts of modeling
and use a model to make determinations about an environmental system. It should help you
be able to describe several major challenges facing environmental regulators.
Environmental Modeling (Continued)
Based on the information below, you will be modeling the level of a particular contaminant in a
pond and answering a series of questions based on use of the model.
Scenario:
• The pond's volume is 4 x I07 m3 of water.
• The average flow-through rate is 8 X l04 m3/day. That is: (1) the inflow from Little Valley
Stream, (2) the water being discharged from the company into the pond, and (3) feeder springs
collectively equal the volume of the outflow in Big Valley Stream (i.e., inflows = outflow) at 8 X
104 m3/day.
• The company produces decorative copper art by chemically etching the copper with strong
sulfuric acid.
• The plant has a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by
the state under the Clean Water Act. The NPDES permit allows the plant to discharge 0.16
tonnes (metric tons) of copper sulfate per day. The plant has an exemplary record of permit
compliance. Currently, 25 people are employed at Copper Brothers. The company is the
primary employment base for the town of Valley View.
• A family purchased a small camp on the eastern shore of Valley Pond. Over the summer, on
numerous occasions, they observed dead fish in their tiny cove near Big Valley Stream. They
contacted the State Water Quality Division to file a formal complaint against Copper Brothers.
Environmental Modeling (Continued)
We need to calculate the steady-state level of copper sulfate in Valley Pond to determine if
there is too much in the pond. (That is, how much copper sulfate is in the pond given inflows,
outflows, and copper sulfate discharges?) Although the plant is in compliance with their
permit, the level of copper sulfate may be too high, biologically, for certain fish species
because in the pond, it may be increasing, but it also may be decreasing. This is a function of
the accumulation of copper over time.
The rate at which copper sulfate is added to the lake is known (0.16 tonnes—metric tons per
day). So, to calculate the steady-state stock of the pollutant, we need to know its residence
time in the pond.
We will assume that the pollutant is uniformly mixed in the pond and is highly water-soluble.
(As with all models, certain assumptions must be made.) Thus, the residence time of the
pollutant is equal to the residence time of the pond water. We can calculate the residence time
of the water as:
Residence time: Tw = MW/FW
Steady stock: SCS = FCS*TCS
Tw = residence time of water in the pond
Scs = steady-state stock of copper sulfate
Mw = stock of water: the pond volume
Fcs= daily discharge amount of copper sulfate
Fw = average, daily flow through rate of the water
Tcs = residence time of the copper sulfate
concentration of the copper sulfate in the water
Ccs = Scs / Mw * (1 x106) ppm
(see Tw)
Communicating in Science
Theories and Laws
• A scientific theory is an explanation based on
many observations during repeated experiments.
– A scientific theory is valid only if it is consistent with
observations, makes predictions that can be tested,
and is the simplest explanation of observations.
– A theory can be changed or modified with the
discovery of new data.
Communicating in Science
Theories and Laws
• A scientific law is a basic fact that describes the
behavior of a natural phenomenon.
– A scientific law can be thought of as a “rule of
nature,” even though the cause of the law may not
be known.
– The events described by a law are observed to be
the same every time.
– Theories are often used to explain scientific laws.
Candle Activity:
Identify phenomena
Develop a testable hypothesis
Design an experiment to test you
hypothesis
Science vs. Pseudoscience
Science:
“Extraordinary
claims require
extraordinary
proof”
Make a list of
differences
between science
and
pseudoscience
Communicating in Science
Section Assessment
1. Match the following terms with their definitions.
___
C theory
___
A model
___
B law
A. an idea, a system, or
mathematical expression
that is similar to the idea
being explained
B. a basic fact that describes
the behavior of a natural
phenomenon
C. an explanation based on
many observations during
repeated experiment
Communicating in Science
Section Assessment
2. On a line graph, what is plotted on the
horizontal (x) axis?
The independent variable is plotted on
the horizontal (x) axis.
3. On a line graph, what is plotted on the
vertical (y) axis?
The dependent variable is plotted on
the vertical (y) axis.
Chapter Resources Menu
Study Guide
Section 1.1
Section 1.2
Section 1.3
Chapter Assessment
Image Bank
Section 1.1 Study Guide
Section 1.1 Main Ideas
•
There are four major areas in Earth science. Astronomy is the study
of objects beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Meteorology is the branch of
Earth science that deals with Earth’s atmosphere. The study of the
materials that make up Earth and the processes that form and
change these materials is known as geology. The study of Earth’s
oceans is called oceanography.
•
Earth can be divided into four main systems. The lithosphere
includes the rocks that make up the crust and rigid, upper mantle.
The atmosphere is the blanket of gases that surrounds Earth.
Earth’s hydrosphere is the system of all of the water on the planet.
The biosphere is Earth’s inhabitants and their environments.
•
All of Earth’s systems interact. You are part of the biosphere and you
live on the crust, which is part of the lithosphere. You breathe the
gases in that atmosphere and depend in many ways on the water in
the hydrosphere.
Section 1.2 Study Guide
Section 1.2 Main Ideas
•
The order of steps in a scientific method can vary. Most scientific
methods to solving a problem, however, include defining the
problem, stating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, analyzing the
results of the test, and drawing conclusions.
•
Variables are factors that change in an experiment. A dependent
variable can change in response to changes in the independent
variable. A control is a standard for comparison.
•
Basic units used in SI include the liter, the meter, the second, the
kilogram, the Newton, and degrees Celsius.
•
In scientific notation, a number is expressed as a multiplier and a
power of 10.
Section 1.3 Study Guide
Section 1.3 Main Ideas
•
Scientific information is communicated through lab reports,
professional papers, tables and graphs, and models.
•
A scientific theory is an explanation based on many observations
during repeated experiments. A scientific theory is valid only if it is
consistent with observations, makes predictions that can be tested,
and is the simplest explanation of observations. A theory can be
changed or modified if it is found to be incorrect.
•
A scientific law is a basic fact that describes the behavior of a
natural phenomenon. A scientific law can be thought of as a “rule of
nature,” even though the cause of the law may not be known.
Chapter Assessment
Multiple Choice
1. Which branch of Earth science studies the air
that surrounds our planet?
a. astronomy
c. geology
b. meteorology
d. oceanography
Astronomy is the study of objects beyond Earth’s
atmosphere; geology is the study of the materials that
make up Earth and the processes that form and change
these materials; and oceanography is the study of
Earth’s oceans.
Chapter Assessment
Multiple Choice
2. Which subspecialty of Earth science studies water flow
on and below Earth’s surface?
a. climatology
c. ecology
b. tectonics
d. hydrology
Climatology studies patterns of weather over a long
period of time; tectonics studies the effects of internal
processes on Earth’s surface; and ecology studies
habitats of organisms and how organisms interact with
each other and their environment.
Chapter Assessment
Multiple Choice
3. The asthenosphere is part of the _____.
a. lithosphere
c. mantle
b. hydrosphere
d. atmosphere
The asthenosphere is the partially molten layer in the
upper mantle. This is below the lithosphere which is the
rigid outer shell of Earth. The hydrosphere is the water
on the surface of Earth and in the atmosphere. The
atmosphere is the blanket of gases surrounding Earth.
Chapter Assessment
Multiple Choice
4. A(n) _____ is used in an experiment to show that the
results of an experiment are actually a result of the
condition being tested.
a. control
c. dependent variable
b. independent variable
d. hypothesis
The independent variable in an experiment is the factor
that is manipulated by the experimenter. A dependent
variable is a factor that can change if the independent
variable is changed. A hypothesis is a suggested
explanation for an observation.
Chapter Assessment
Multiple Choice
5. The SI unit of mass is the _____.
a. m
c. kg
b. N
d. K
The meter (m) is the SI unit to measure length; the
newton (N) is the SI unit to measure weight; and in SI,
temperature is measured on the Kelvin (K) scale.
Chapter Assessment
Short Answer
6. What are the four major steps and processes in the
scientific approach to problem solving?
The four major steps and processes in the
scientific approach to problem solving are
question, test, analyze, and conclude.
Chapter Assessment
Conversion
7. Complete the following SI conversions.
100 mm
_______
.1 m
50 kg
_______ g
287 mL
_______ L
2.3 km
_______ m
30 m3
2,300 cm3
_______
14 cm3
3,000 mL
_______
50,000
.287
14
Chapter Assessment
True or False
8. Identify whether the following statements are true or
false.
______
false A scientific theory is a basic fact that describes
the behavior of a natural phenomenon.
______
true Scientific methods are not rigid, step-by-step
outlines to solve problems.
______
true A paleontologist would study the composition of
the ancient atmosphere.
______
false Earth’s atmosphere is about 78% oxygen.