Science

A way of knowing and investigating the physical world through observations and experimentation.

Earth Science

the study of earth and its place in the universe

Geology

the study of earths internal processes and landforms

Hydrology

the study of earth's surface water and ground water systems

Atmospheric Science

the study of earth's atmosphere

Environmental Science

the study of the relationships between the physical and environments components of earth's environment

Astronomy

the study of objects and phenomena above earths atmosphere

scientific inqury

involves identifying correlations and other patterns and then investigating and testing possible causes that might explain the correlation.

hypothesis

a possible explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested to determine whether it is supported by evidence.

experiment

a way to test a hypothesis using a controlled procedure that produced data

independent variable

manipulated (see for change)

dependent variable

responding (what is the response)

Peer Reveiw

gives scientist an opportunity to evaluate the validity of a scientific investigation

Theory

a broader explanation that is already supported by a large body of evidence

Law

descriptions of phenomenon that are universally accepted and are often expressed mathematically