Earth in Space and Time

StandardE5: TheEarthinSpaceandTime

Students explain theories about how the Earth and universe formed and evolved over a long period of time. Students predict how human activities may influence the climate of the future.

E5.p1 Sky Observations (prerequisite)

Common sky observations (such as lunar phases) can be explained by the motion of solar system objects in regular and predictable patterns. Our galaxy, observable as the Milky Way, is composed of billions of stars, some of which have planetary systems. Seasons are a result of the tilt of the rotation axis of the Earth. The motions of the moon and sun affect the phases of the moon and ocean tides.

  • E5p.1Sky Observations.doc - on Feb 22, 2010 5:11 PM by Earth Science (version 1) Remove
    • 116k Download

E5.1 The Earth in Space

Scientific evidence indicates the universe is orderly in structure, finite, and contains all matter and energy. Information from the entire light spectrum tells us about the composition and motion of objects in the universe. Early in the history of the universe, matter clumped together by gravitational attraction to form stars and galaxies. According to the Big Bang theory, the universe has been continually expanding at an increasing rate since its formation about 13.7 billion years ago.

  • The Earth in Space_Big Bang.doc - on Feb 22, 2010 5:12 PM by Earth Science (version 1) Remove
  • 286k Download

E5.2 The Sun

Stars, including the Sun, transform matter into energy in nuclear reactions. When hydrogen nuclei fuse to form helium, a small amount of matter is converted to energy. Solar energy is responsible for life processes and weather as well as phenomena on Earth. These and other processes in stars have led to the formation of all the other chemical elements.

  • E5.2 The Sun.doc - on Feb 22, 2010 5:12 PM by Earth Science (version 1) Remove
  • 597k Download

E5.2x Stellar Evolution

Stars, including the Sun, transform matter into energy in nuclear reactions. When hydrogen nuclei fuse to form helium, a small amount of matter is converted to energy. These and other processes in stars have led to the formation of all the other chemical elements. There is a wide range of stellar objects of different sizes and temperatures. Stars have varying life histories based on these parameters.

  • Stellar Evolution.doc - on Feb 28, 2010 7:51 PM by Earth Science (version 1) Remove
  • 4191k Download
  • Life Cycle of a Star.ppt - on Feb 28, 2010 7:56 PM by Earth Science (version 1) Remove
  • 5872k Download
  • The Size of Our World.ppt - on Feb 28, 2010 7:56 PM by Earth Science (version 1) Remove
  • 214k Download

E5.3 Earth History and Geologic Time

The solar system formed from a nebular cloud of dust and gas 4.6 Ga (billion years ago). The Earth has changed through time and has been affected by both catastrophic (e.g., earthquakes, meteorite impacts, volcanoes) and gradual geologic events (e.g., plate movements, mountain building) as well as the effects of biological evolution (formation of an oxygen atmosphere). Geologic time can be determined through both relative and absolute dating.

  • Earths History and Geologic Time Links.doc - on Feb 28, 2010 7:57 PM by Earth Science (version 1) Remove
  • 58k Download

E5.3x Geologic Dating

Early methods of determining geologic time, such as the use of index fossils and stratigraphic principles, allowed for the relative dating of geological events. However, absolute dating was impossible until the discovery that certain radioactive isotopes in rocks have known decay rates, making it possible to determine how many years ago a given mineral or rock formed. Different kinds of radiometric dating techniques exist. Technique selection depends on the composition of the material to be dated, the age of the material, and the type of geologic event that affected the material.

E5.4 Climate Change

Atmospheric gases trap solar energy that has been reradiated from the Earth’s surface (the greenhouse effect). The Earth’s climate has changed both gradually and catastrophically over geological and historical time frames due to complex interactions between many natural variables and events. The concentration of greenhouse gases (especially carbon dioxide) has increased due to human industrialization, which has contributed to a rise in average global atmospheric temperatures and changes in the biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. Climates of the past are researched, usually using indirect indicators, to better understand and predict climate change.

  • Climate Change Manual.doc - on Feb 22, 2010 5:14 PM by Earth Science (version 3 / earlier versions) Remove
  • 167k Download
  • Greenhouse Effect Demo.doc - on Feb 28, 2010 7:58 PM by Earth Science (version 1) Remove
  • 263k Download