Although each chapter in this blueprint looks at a different aspect of earth science, all of them emphasize the interconnections among the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere. Other overarching themes are the nature of science as practiced by contemporary earth scientists, the intellectual processes essential to science such as inquiry and the use of data in drawing conclusions, the depth of geologic time, and the usefulness of earth science in solving environmental challenges, addressing our need for resources and coping with geohazards.
We begin with Earth’s place in the solar system and the elements that make it uniquely supportive of life. Then we introduce plate tectonics, the unifying paradigm of understanding geologic processes, followed by a chapter on seismology. Next comes geologic time, in which the basic principles of geology are discovered, and students begin to understand the depth of geologic time. Chapter 5 focuses on how we study Earth, both at the surface and deeper, large multi-institutional and often multi-national programs that use advanced technology. Water, a critical resource, is the focus of chapter 6, followed by extreme environments and events in Chapter 7. Chapter 8 focuses on climate and climate change. Chapter 9 considers energy and resources, and the connection to climate. The course finishes with questions of human/earth interaction and sustainability.
Note: Although the blueprint was designed for Earth and Space Science, we also show how the chapters aligned with other courses in which earth science concepts are taught.
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