Lesson 1: Introduction

Lesson 1: Introduction

1. Observations and Measurements

   • Observations - information received from any of our five senses
   • Instruments - used to extend our senses
   • Measurements - observations made using and instrument
   • U.S. Customary Measures (Standard System):
     • Length: Inch, Foot, Mile
     • Mass: Ounce, Pound, Ton
     • Time: Seconds, Minutes, Hours
     • Temperature: Degrees Fahrenheit
   • International System of Units (Metric System):
     • Length: Meters
     • Mass: Grams
     • Time: Seconds, Minutes, Hours
     • Temperature: Kelvin, Degrees Celcius
     • Metric Prefixes:
       • Milli, Centi, Deci, Unit, Deca, Hecta, Kilo

2. Earth Science - the study of our planet, its changing systems and its place in the universe

   • Geology - the study of rock materials and how the solid Earth changes
   • Meteorology - the study of the changing conditions of Earth's atmosphere
   • Astronomy - the study of Earth's mostions and the nature of other objects in space

3. Exponential Notation

   • M * 10^n
     • Let M = a number from greater or equal to 1 and less than 10
     • Let 10^n = any power of 10

4. Observations and Inferences

   • Inferences - conclusions drawn from observations
     • Based on a wide range of observations = Reliable

5. Percent Deviation

   • Percent Deviation (Percent Error) - a convenient way of comparing a measurement to the commonly accepted value for that measurement
   • Deviation (%) = [(difference from accepted value) / (accepted value)] * 100

6. Types of Graphs

   • Line Graph
     • Based on a coordinate system
     • Set up on a vertical (Y) axis and a horizontal (X) axis
     • Y axis - Dependent Variable
     • X axis - Independent Variable
   • Pie (Circle) Graph
     • Used to show how an entire quantity is divided into several parts
     • shows the comparison for each part
   • Bar Graph
     • Used to show data that is not continuous
     • Set up on a vertical (Y) axis and a horizontal (X) axis
     • X axis - Independent Variable
     • Y axis - Dependent Variable