Earth science is the study of our home planet and everything on, in, and around it. Scientists who study Earth science look at the land, water, air, and living things that make up our world. This field helps us understand how our planet works and how we can protect it for the future.
Earth science is actually made up of several different sciences working together. These include:
- Geology - Geologists study the solid Earth, including rocks, minerals, and landforms. They investigate how mountains are pushed up from flat land, why the ground suddenly shakes during earthquakes, and what causes fiery volcanoes to explode with lava—sometimes with just enough warning to save lives! When you pick up a sparkly rock or notice colorful layers in a canyon wall, you’re seeing geology in action.
- How might your understanding of Earth science change the way you think about your local environment?
- In what ways do you interact with natural resources discovered through Earth science every day?
- How could your knowledge of Earth science help you make more environmentally responsible choices?
- How do different Earth science fields help different communities, based on what you read in the article?
- Which Earth science careers mentioned or hinted at in the article sound most interesting to you? Why?
- What “Did You Know?” fact or Earth science connection from the article surprised you the most?
Hypotheticals
Read each scenario and answer the questions:
The Weather Warning
Your town receives an alert about a major storm approaching in 48 hours. The local meteorologists predict heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding in low-lying areas where some of your friends live.
- How might meteorologists have detected this storm before it reached your area?
- What data would Earth scientists analyze to predict which parts of town might flood?
- How could you use this Earth science information to help your community prepare?
The Mystery Mineral
While hiking with your science club, you discover an unusual sparkly rock with layers of different colors. Your teacher suggests it might contain valuable minerals that could be used in technology like smartphones or solar panels.
- What branch of Earth science would help identify this rock, and what methods might they use?
- How do Earth scientists determine if a mineral is valuable for technology?
- If this mineral were valuable, what environmental factors would scientists consider before mining it?
Vocabulary
List the following terms and their definitions:
- Atmosphere
- Climate
- Current
- Environmental
- Geology
- Meteorology