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Spherical Earth Systems Part I
Introduction In this activity we are going to
look at the Earth as though we are visiting the
planet for the first time. For the following
three images, you should make 3 to 5
observations. For this exercise, make a table,
like the one below on a separate sheet of paper.
Your table should have enough space for up to 15
lines.
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Spherical Earth Systems List Observations
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Spherical Earth Systems List Observations
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Spherical Earth Systems List Observations
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Spherical Earth Systems List Observations
Now consider the following definitions
Observation - information gained about an object
or event through the senses. Using the 5 senses
(see, hear, touch, smell, taste) to find out
about objects and events, their characteristics,
properties, differences, similarities, and
changes Observations are recorded.
Inference - Interpreting or explaining
observations. More than one inference may be
presented to explain an observation. When you
infer you use your previously gained knowledge or
experience.
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Did you make Observations or Inferences?
Now consider the following examples
Observations the image on the left is
spherical. This sphere is has three different
areas that are dominated by blue, tan to brown,
and white. The white areas occur primarily on the
bottom quarter of the image. These white areas
occur in different patterns. Inferences The
image shows an irregular distribution of water,
land and clouds. There are a couple of large
storms off the bottom part of South Africa.
Revisit your list of observations.
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Blue
White
Brown Or Tan
Green
How can you group or classify your observations
and inferences?
Blue
Brown Or Tan
How about Blue Brown or Tan Green White
White
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Blue
White
Brown Or Tan
Green
Blue
Brown Or Tan
? Based on observations - four broad
categories land (Tan and Brown) water (Blue)
living things (green) air (white).
An Earth Science perspective categories are
called spheres. - geosphere (land) -
hydrosphere (water) - biosphere (living
things) - atmosphere (air)
White
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AssignmentGo to Assignment Website Research
Earth Systems on BlackBoard

• Find at least two websites that provide
  information about Earth Systems Science and the
  Earth's Four Spheres 
• The information provided must include the terms
  Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere and Biosphere
• One site must be a NASA-related website.
• Provide the location (URL) and a 3 to 10 line
  description of each site.
• Add the above information to your Blackboard
  "Homepage".
• When you have completed this part of
  the assignment, click on "view/complete
  assignment " below and provide a narrative
  description for the geosphere, hydrosphere,
  atmosphere, and biosphere in the "Comments" text
  box. (Hint complete the description in a word
  processor and then cut and past into the text
  box.)
• Please provide the date and time of completion at
  the end of your description,  then click on the
  "Submit" button.