Introduction * What is the definition of Earth Science? All sciences that seek to understand Earth and it’s surrounding space.

* What are the sub-disciplines of earth science (geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy)? Know the definition of each of these. Geology is the study of Earth divided into two broad areas –Physical and historical. Physical Geology examines the materials comprising earth, Historical Geology is to understand the origin of earth. Meteorolgy is the study of the Atomosphere and the processes that produce weather and climates. Oceanography integrates chemistry, physics, geology, and biology. It includes the study of composition and movements of seawater, as well as coastal processes, seafloor topography, and marine life. Astronomy is the study of the universe.

* Be able to name and define each of the earth’s “spheres” (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere).The Geosphere (Solid-Earth) lies beneath the atomosphere and the ocean. It extends from the surface to the center of the planet 6400 Kilometers of depth. The largest of all Spheres. The Hydrosphere is a dynamic mass of water that is continually moving, evaporating from the oceans to the atomosphere, reaching land and flowing back to the ocean. Blankets 71% of the earth’s surface. Depth of 3800 meters. The Atomosphere is the life giving gaseous envelope. It is a very shallow layer. The energy exchanges between the atomosphere and space produces weather and climate. Biosphere includes all life on earth.

* How much of the earth’s surface is covered by oceans? 71%

* What are the compositional layers of the earth (crust, mantle, core)? Be able to describe each layer (generally). The Crust is a light and very thin outer skin of the earth. The Mantle is a less dense layer than the core. The Core is a dense inner sphere.

* Be able to define the following terms: system, hypothesis, theory, scientific law. The System is a group of interacting, or independent, parts that form a complex whole. The hypothesis is a tentative or untested explanation. A Theory is a Hypothesis that has survived extensive scrutiny. A scientific law is a basic principle that describes a particular behavior of nature that is generally narrow in scope and can be stated briefly. * What are the two broad types into which resources in the earth are typically divided (renewable and non-renewable)? Be able to define each. Renewable means that they can be replenished over relatively short time spans (plants & animals for food). Non-renewable are basic resources as metals such as iron, aluminum, and copper. Fuels and oils.

* Define the scientific method. A process in which researchers gather facts through observations and formulate scientific hypothesis and theories.

* What are the two sources of energy that power the earth system? The Sun and Heat from the Earth’s interior.
Minerals (Chapter 1) * Know the definition of a mineral. * Know the basic definition of a rock. * Know how atoms of the same element are related. What do they have in common? * Know definitions for the following terms: valence electrons, nucleus, atom, element, ion, and chemical bond. * What are the basic subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, electrons)? Which of these are found in the nucleus? Which is found outside of the nucleus? * Know the difference between ionic and covalent bonds. Which is typically stronger? * Know the components and structure of the silicon-oxygen tetrahedron that makes up silicate minerals. Which mineral is composed entirely of silicon and oxygen? * Know and understand the following physical properties of minerals: luster, color, streak, hardness, cleavage, fracture, and specific gravity. Be able to use Figure 1.23 to help identify minerals and their associated cleavage. * What mineral found in nature is the hardest known to man? Name some of the softer minerals known. * What mineral is known for its characteristic taste (i.e., salty taste)? * Why is color an unreliable diagnostic property of minerals? * Name some minerals with very high specific gravities. * What minerals are known for their perfect cleavage in one direction? What minerals are known for perfect cleavage in three directions? * Be able to define atomic number, atomic mass, protons, neutrons, and electrons. Also, know the following formula and be able to apply it: Atomic Mass = # of protons + # of neutrons. * Know the eight most common elements in the earth’s crust. Also, know the different mineral groups (i.e., silicates, carbonates, sulfides, etc.). See Table 1.1 on page 39 for the non-silicate mineral groups. Which of the mineral groups is most common in the earth’s crust?
Morris Textbook (Introduction and Chapters 1-2): * Be able to define the following: micro-evolution, macro-evolution, mutations, natural selection, punctuated equilibrium, uniformitarianism, neo-catastrophism, theistic evolution, progressive creation, framework hypothesis, and local flood theory. Page 8-9

* How are human beings limited in their ability to interpret the past, according to Morris? We are not taught how to think about the material we see. We are taught certain facts and are expected to remember them to take a test.

* Does the Bible interpret the Hebrew word “yom”? If so, what does “yom” mean? Yes, it means day.

* Know the difference between young-earth creationists and old-earth creationists? On what major point do they differ?Young- earth creationists is considered to be a historical view of the church.

* What is meant by “overlapping days” in Genesis? Is this an old-earth or young-earth viewpoint? What are some weaknesses in it?