This unit sets the stage for a full year high school course on Earth Systems Science. It introduces some of the major conceptual themes of Earth Systems Science, while developing an awareness of the special relevance of Earth Systems Science in today’s world. The unit focuses on how science is conducted in the Earth sciences through professional fields. The learning objectives include these:
Begin to understand the distinction between direct and indirect measures as it pertains to research in Earth Systems Science.
Begin to understand the use of scientific models and spatial data in the professional fields of Earth Systems Science.
Use the Earth Systems Science concept to understand natural features and phenomena as well as interactions between humans and the Earth systems.
In a simple example, trace the movement and transformation of matter and energy through the four key earth systems (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere).
Recognize that the plate tectonic theory is the central organizing theory for the field of geology.
