Module 1 - Introduction To Earth Science

Module 1: Introduction to Earth
Science
Module Overview
In this module, you will be familiarized with the basic concepts and importance of
Earth science and its divisions. This includes the fundamentals of geology,
meteorology, oceanography and astronomy. You will also have a brief recall of the
basic observations and measurements used in Earth science that will be a
significant help as you read through the modules.
Module Pre-test
Instruction: Box the letter of the correct answer.

1. The study of Earth and its neighbors in space.
a. Astronomy b. Meteorology c. Earth science Oceanography
2. Which of the following is not a division of Earth science?
a. Astronomy b. Geology c. Meteorology d. Biology
3. It is the oldest branch of Earth Science.
a. Astronomy b. Geology c. Meteorology d. Oceanography
4. The first step in the scientific method.
a. Test hypothesis b. Observation c. Experiment d. Conclusion
5. He is the father of geology.
a. Friedrich Mohs b. Charles Lyell c. Charles Darwin d. James Hutton
6. Convert 25 kg to pounds.
a. 120 lbs b. 50 lbs c. 55 lbs d. 60 lbs
7. The system of measurement used in the Philippines.
a. Metric System b. English System c. British System d. Chinese System
8. Which of the following is not an example of the Metric system unit?
a. Feet b. Meter c. Kilogram d. Liter
9. It is the division of Earth science that deals with weather and climate.
a. Climatology b. Meteorology c. Geology d. Astronomy
10. Convert 85 inches to feet.
a. 8.07 ft b. 7.80 ft c. 7.08 ft d. 8.70 ft
For instructional purposes only • 1st Semester SY 2020-2021 16
Lesson 1.1: Earth Science and Its Divisions
Learning Objectives
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
1. Explain the fundamentals and importance of Earth science
2. Differentiate the four divisions of Earth science
Materials and Equipment Needed

Laptop, internet connection, pens and notebooks
Learning Activities (Activating Prior Knowledge)

In your past General Science subject, did your teacher mention anything about the
Earth, its study and divisions? How far have you remembered? Based on what
you’ve remembered, identify and briefly describe each division of Earth Science?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Learning Probe (Analysis)

1. Do you have any idea how important is the study of Earth Science to the
advancement of human civilization?
Learning Time (Acquire New Knowledge)

Earth Science
Earth science is the branch of science which deals with the physical constitution
of Earth and its atmosphere. It incorporates all fields of natural science related to
the planet Earth. It came from the Latin word “terra,” which means “earth or ground”
and “scientia,” which means “science.” Earth science focuses on studying Earth
systems and systems in space which consists of weather and climate systems,
and the study of non-living things such as rocks, oceans and planets.
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Mission: Development of a highly competitive human resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge TP-IMD-02
and innovative technologies for sustainable communities and environment. V0 07-15-2020
No.SHS-029-IM
Figure 1. The Earth.
Divisions of Earth Science
Earth science is a multidisciplinary science and its purpose is to study the Earth,
its history, composition, atmosphere, oceans and its neighbors in space. This
includes knowledge concerning all the aspects of the Earth system. There are four
divisions of Earth Science: Geology, Meteorology, Astronomy and Oceanography.
I. Geology
Geology is the branch of Earth science which deals with the solid Earth, its
composition and the processes that change them over time. The word geology is
derived from two Greek words, geo (Earth) and logos (study) which means ‘study
of the Earth.’ It deals with the Earth’s fundamental problems such as water, energy,
mineral resources, volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides and floods.
tourchautauqua.com
Figure 2. Panama Rocks in Western New York.
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Important Names in Geology

James Hutton (1726-1797)
• The Father of Modern Geology
• 18th Century Scottish Geologist
• Developed the concept of uniformitarianism which states
that natural processes that occur today must be the same
processes that occurred in the past
• “The present is the key to the past.”
• He believed that geologic change is slow, so the Earth
must be very old.
Charles Lyell (1797-1875)

• A lawyer and geologist who grew up in Scotland and
England
• He wrote the famous book ‘Principles of Geology’ in 1829
• Proponent of James Hutton’s idea of uniformitarianism
Alfred Wegener (1880-1930)

• German meteorologist and geophysicist
• The originator of the Theory of Continental Drift in 1915
• His theory was extensively criticized before being
validated by mid-ocean ridges in the 1950s
Friedrich Mohs (1773-1839)

• German geologist and mineralogist
• Developed the Mohs’ scale of hardness in 1812
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Charles Francis Richter (1900-1985)

• American physicist and seismologist
• Developed the Richter magnitude scale where
earthquakes were measured qualitatively (1935-1979)
Why study Earth?

1. Geologists study Earth to understand the evolution of life on Earth.
2. We need to be aware of the hazards from geological events such as
volcanoes, earthquakes and slope failures.
3. Documenting past environmental and climate changes is essential to know
how human activities are affecting the Earth.
Two Big Concepts in Geology: Uniformitarianism and Plate Tectonics
1. Uniformitarianism
Geological processes that occur in the Earth today must be the same processes
that occurred in the past. This is an essential concept because it implies that
observations, we make at present about geological processes can interpret and
understand the rock record in the past. This principle is vital to understanding
Earth’s history.
An example is to think of a volcano that erupted, which spewed out lava to form
basalt. With the understanding that geological processes remain the same in the
entire Earth’s history, you may conclude that every time you see basalt, it is
formed from cooling lava. Another example is the rock cycle, which shows the
different processes involved in the formation of igneous, sedimentary and
metamorphic rocks.
Figure 3. The Rock Cycle: an example of the application of the principle of uniformitarianism.
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All the processes involved in the formation of each rock type is gradually
repeating through time. Igneous rock is formed from the cooling and
crystallization of lava or magma (known as the parent all rocks). With heat and
pressure, the formation of metamorphic rock is possible through the process of
metamorphism. Moreover, when rock weather, sediments are transported,
deposited, compacted and cemented to form sedimentary rocks through
lithification. Through the process of melting, all these rock types return as
magma
Uniformitarianism may be put into the phrase, "The present is the key to the past."
This phrase tells us that if we learn about how geological processes occur today,
we can determine how these geological processes formed the landforms and
rocks that we can observe today.
Thus, uniformitarianism suggests that the continuing uniformity of existing

processes should be used as the framework for understanding the geomorphic
and geologic history of the Earth. Today, most theories of landscape evolution
use the concept of uniformitarianism to describe how the various landforms of
the Earth came to be.
2. Plate Tectonics
A theory that focuses on the dynamics of Earth’s lithosphere that revolutionized

Earth sciences by providing a uniform context for understanding mountain-
building processes, volcanoes, and earthquakes as well as the evolution of
Earth’s surface and reconstructing its past continents and oceans. This theory
will be further discussed in Module 4.
Figure 4. Earth's fifteen most massive tectonic plates. Black arrows show the direction of plate
motions. The length of the arrow indicates velocity. Red arrows show how plates move
relative to each other.
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II. Meteorology
Meteorology is the scientific study of the atmosphere that focuses on

atmospheric variations in temperature and moisture patterns that produce
different weather conditions. It came from two Greek words ‘meteoron’ (in the
sky) and ‘logos’ (study) which means the study atmospheric phenomena and
things in the sky and heavens. This branch of Earth Science will be further
discussed in Module 5 - Meteorology.
Why Study Meteorology?

1. Having an understanding of meteorology helps determine future climate
expectations.
2. Without meteorologists, forecasting natural disasters and weather can
have severe implications for all--like storms, tsunamis, and tornados would
be impossible.
Figure 5. An image of the Super Typhoon

Haiyan captured by NASA on
November 7, 2013.
III. Astronomy
Astronomy is the study of celestial bodies which include the sun, moon, stars,
planets, galaxies and other non-Earthly bodies and phenomena. It is considered
as the oldest branch in Earth Science. In Module 6 - Astronomy, detailed
information about astronomy will be discussed.
Figure 6. The Solar System
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Why is Astronomy essential?

• Astronomy has provided us significant impacts worldwide. It has eased
and improved our life and has been considered the forefront of science and
technology which drives innovations. It has been used in the past to
measure time, mark the seasons and navigate through the ocean.
• Until now, the study has continued to change our perspective and
revolutionized our way of thinking. This enabled us to create new
inventions such as the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), X-ray
Observatory Technology, Gas Chromatograph and Gamma-ray
Spectrometer which was used to analyze lunar soil. These technologies
were initially developed for astronomy.
IV. Oceanography
Oceanography is the study of the oceans of the Earth, their composition,
movement, organisms, life and processes in it. It includes the study of biology,
physics, chemistry, meteorology and geology of the oceans.
Humans have been interested in the oceans since prehistoric times when
people would venture out from their homes along the coast on rafts. Around
2,000 to 3,000 years ago, naturalists and philosophers, including Aristotle,
began to try to study and understand the vast bodies of water. However, the
modern field of oceanography did not emerge until late in the 19th century
when America, Britain, and Europe joined together to fund expeditions to
explore ocean currents, the seafloor, and the life that thrived within the ocean.
Figure 7. Oceanography
Why Study Oceanography?

The physical and chemical processes that affect species distribution and
abundance are an essential part of oceanography.
Likewise, biological processes in the oceans affect the chemistry of the seas,
sediments, and even the atmosphere on local and global scales.
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Lesson 1.2: Observation and Measurement
Learning Objectives
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
1. Explain the scientific method of solving problems.
2. Review the two systems of measurement and the conversion of units.
Materials and Equipment Needed

Laptop, internet connection, pens and notebooks
Learning Activities (Activating Prior Knowledge)

Has your science teacher back then discussed anything about science as a
process? Based on what you remembered, draw a schematic diagram of the
scientific method.
Learning Probe (Analysis)

1. Were there any instances wherein you used the scientific method in solving
problems? What were the results?
Learning Time (Acquire New Knowledge)

Science as Process
The objective of science is to describe natural occurrences. Scientists start by

identifying the problem, and then through experiments and examinations, they
work to answer those research questions. The scientific method is a planned,
organized approach to solving a problem.
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The Basic Steps of the Scientific Method

1. Observe a natural phenomenon and define a question about it
2. Make a hypothesis or potential solution to the question
3. Test the hypothesis
4. If the hypothesis is correct, find more evidence or find counter-evidence
5. If the hypothesis is false, create a new hypothesis or try again
6. Draw conclusions and repeat–the scientific method is never-ending, and
no result is ever considered perfect
Figure 8. The Scientific Method.
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Scientific Measurements and Analysis

There are two internationally accepted measurement systems: the Metric system
and the English system.
A. Metric System
This system of measurement was generated in France in 1799. The official

system of measurement in most countries in the world, known as the
International System of Units (SI), is based on the metric system.
In this system, each type of measurement (weight, capacity and length) has
one basic unit of measure (meter, gram, liter). Conversions are quickly done by
dividing or multiplying by factors of 10. It is simply done by moving the decimal
point to the right (for smaller prefixes) or the left (for larger prefixes).
Arrange the prefixes from largest to smallest to remember the proper decimal
placement:
Example 1: Convert 10.19 kilometers to meters
Take note in the list above that meter is three places to the right of the prefix
kilo. This means that you need to move three decimal places to the right.
Therefore, the answer is 10,190 meters.
Example 2: Convert 480 grams to milligrams
Take note in the list above that the prefix milli is three places to the right of the
unit gram. This means that you need to move three decimal places to the right.
Therefore, the answer is 480,000 milligrams.
B. English System
The United States had not implemented the metric system as its "official"
system of measurement even when the metric system was lawfully accepted
for use in 1866. The US English System of measurement used body parts and
familiar objects as the basis for measurements. An example is shorter ground
distances were measured using the human foot, and longer distances were
measured by paces, with one mile being 1,000 paces. Household objects such
as cups, pails (formerly called gallons) and baskets were used to measure the
capacities.
This system allowed for differences between measurements taken by different

individuals. A standard was set to guarantee that all measurements
represented the same amount for everyone.
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Conversion Ratio
The English System needs a conversion ratio (or unit factor) to move between
measurements, unlike the Metric System, which simply moves the decimal
point to convert between its prefixes. In the Metric System, the prefix itself gives
the needed conversion ratio.
A conversion ratio is a ratio equal to one. The ratio contains the units to be used
in the conversion. It can be applied for conversions within the English and
Metric Systems and even conversions between the systems. The conversion
ratio is based on the concept of equivalent values. For the example provided
below, one foot is substituted for its equivalent measure of 12 inches.
Example 1: Convert 85 inches to feet
Using the appropriate conversion ratio, a proportion can be set up.

Use this "cross multiply" concept to find the answer.
𝑥 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑡 1 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡 Conversion ratio

=
85 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 12 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠
Answer: 7.08 feet
Example 2: Calculate for the number of cups in two gallons

There is no direct conversion for cups to gallons. Thus, we have to be creative.
Since there are 4 cups in 1 quart and 4 quarts in 1 gallon, we can set up the
conversion ratio based on "quarts." Two gallons is 8 quarts.
𝑥 𝑐𝑢𝑝𝑠 4 𝑐𝑢𝑝𝑠 Conversion ratio

=
8 𝑞𝑡. (2 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑠) 1 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑡
Answer: 32 cups
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Learning Tasks (Application)

1. Based on the discussion, create a 500-word reflection paper on what you
have learned on the importance of Earth Science (Geology, Astronomy,
Meteorology and Oceanography) in your daily life.
2. For your submission, please refer to the instructions on how to submit the
student output below.
Learning Check (Assessment)

Instructions: Convert the following units based on what is being asked. Show
your solution. 30 pts
1. 200 lbs = ______________kg
2. 25 gallons = ___________pint
3. 2000 lbs = _____________ ounce
4. 5500cm = ______________ m
5. 24 hrs = ________________ sec
6. 25°C = ________________°F
7. 253 km = ______________mile
8. 300ft = _______________ m
9. 650yards = ____________ cm
10. 60 inches = ____________ ft
Instructions on how to submit student output

Answer/perform the tasks indicated in the “Learning Tasks/Activities” and
“Assessment” Section.
For Offline Submission

For those students with no access to the internet, you may drop your outputs in
the designated VSU-Learning drop boxes located at the VSU guard post 2 (Lower
campus).
For Online Submission

Send your outputs by emailing to [email protected] (email of your lecturer).
Submit your outputs by uploading to Google/Moodle Classroom.
Your outputs should be written in a short bond paper following the format
indicated below:
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Module Post-test
Instruction: Box the letter of the correct answer.

1. The study of Earth and its neighbors in space.
a. Astronomy b. Meteorology c. Earth science Oceanography
2. Which of the following is not a division of Earth science?
a. Astronomy b. Geology c. Meteorology d. Biology
3. It is the oldest branch of Earth Science.
a. Astronomy b. Geology c. Meteorology d. Oceanography
4. The first step in the scientific method.
a. Test hypothesis b. Observation c. Experiment d. Conclusion
5. He is the father of geology.
a. Friedrich Mohs b. Charles Lyell c. Charles Darwin d. James Hutton
6. Convert 25 kg to pounds.
a. 120 lbs b. 50 lbs c. 55 lbs d. 60 lbs
7. The system of measurement used in the Philippines.
a.Metric System b. English System c.British System d. Chinese
System
8. Which of the following is not an example of the Metric system unit?
a. Feet b. Meter c. Kilogram d. Liter
9. It is the division of Earth science that deals with weather and climate.
a. Climatology b. Meteorology c. Geology d. Astronomy
10. Convert 85 inches to feet.
a. 8.07 ft b. 7.80 ft c. 7.08 ft d. 8.70 ft
References and Additional Resources
Cottrell, M. (2006). History of Saskatchewan. Retrieved 14 September 2020 from

http://esask.uregina.ca/entry/history_of_saskatchewan.html
James Hutton: Father of Modern Geology, 1726–17971. Nature 119, 582 (1927).
Mitchell, Brooks. "The Most Influential Geologists of All Time." ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020,
thoughtco.com/most-influential-geologists-4039942.
Victoria University Library (2009) A. P. Coleman Exhibition. Retrieved 14 September 2020 from
http://library.vicu.utoronto.ca/apcoleman/index.htm
https://usenaturalstone.org/wild-ride-rock-cycle/
https://geology.com/articles/what-is-earth-science.shtml
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-oceanography-definition-history-facts.html
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No.SHS-029-IM
Photo Credits
1. unsplash.com (Figure 1)
2. tourchautauqua.com (Figure 2)
3. https://usenaturalstone.org/wild-ride-rock-cycle/ (Figure 3)
4. Steven Earle (2015) CC BY 4.0. Modified after U (Figure 4)
5. https://www.livescience.com/our-solar-system.html (Figure 6)
6. research.tamu.edu/centers/texas-institute-of-oceanography/ (Figure 7)
7. https://courses.lumenlearning.com (Figure 8)
Answers to the Pre-test & Post-test
1. c 6. c
2. d 7. a
3. a 8. a
4. b 9. b
5. d 10. c
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No.SHS-029-IM

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Module 1: Introduction to Earth

Instruction: Box the letter of the correct answer.

Lesson 1.1: Earth Science and Its Divisions

Materials and Equipment Needed

Learning Activities (Activating Prior Knowledge)

Learning Probe (Analysis)

Learning Time (Acquire New Knowledge)

Figure 1. The Earth.

Divisions of Earth Science

Figure 2. Panama Rocks in Western New York.

Important Names in Geology

Charles Lyell (1797-1875)

Alfred Wegener (1880-1930)

Friedrich Mohs (1773-1839)

Charles Francis Richter (1900-1985)

Why study Earth?

Two Big Concepts in Geology: Uniformitarianism and Plate Tectonics

Thus, uniformitarianism suggests that the continuing uniformity of existing

A theory that focuses on the dynamics of Earth’s lithosphere that revolutionized

Meteorology is the scientific study of the atmosphere that focuses on

Why Study Meteorology?

Figure 5. An image of the Super Typhoon

Figure 6. The Solar System

Why is Astronomy essential?

Why Study Oceanography?

Lesson 1.2: Observation and Measurement

Materials and Equipment Needed

Learning Activities (Activating Prior Knowledge)

Learning Probe (Analysis)

Learning Time (Acquire New Knowledge)

The objective of science is to describe natural occurrences. Scientists start by

The Basic Steps of the Scientific Method

Figure 8. The Scientific Method.

Scientific Measurements and Analysis

This system of measurement was generated in France in 1799. The official

Example 1: Convert 10.19 kilometers to meters

Example 2: Convert 480 grams to milligrams

This system allowed for differences between measurements taken by different

Example 1: Convert 85 inches to feet

Using the appropriate conversion ratio, a proportion can be set up.

𝑥 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑡 1 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡 Conversion ratio

Answer: 7.08 feet

Example 2: Calculate for the number of cups in two gallons

𝑥 𝑐𝑢𝑝𝑠 4 𝑐𝑢𝑝𝑠 Conversion ratio

Learning Tasks (Application)

Learning Check (Assessment)

Instructions on how to submit student output

For Offline Submission

For Online Submission

Instruction: Box the letter of the correct answer.

References and Additional Resources

Cottrell, M. (2006). History of Saskatchewan. Retrieved 14 September 2020 from

Answers to the Pre-test & Post-test

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