Science 5005 Flashcards
The Earth is made up of several layers:
What are the three layers?
crust/lithosphere, mantle, and core.
The Earth gets ______ toward the center.
denser
What is the outermost solid layer of Earth? 0–100 km (silicates)
Crust
The temperature of the Earth ________ as you move closer to the center of the Earth.
increases
The _______ is not liquid; it is ductile or plastic, which means that some parts of the mantle can flow under certain conditions and changes in pressure. The ________ is mainly composed of aluminum and silicates. 100–2900 km
What composition layer is this?
Mantle
The innermost layers of Earth. Earth has an outer _____ (liquid) and an inner _____ (solid). The _____ is mainly composed of nickel and iron.
What composition layer is this?
Core
Underneath the lithosphere. It is about 100km thick. This region of the mantle flows relatively easily. The mantle is NOT liquid.
100–350 km
What Mechanical Layer is this?
Asthenosphere
The outermost and most rigid mechanical layer of Earth. The _______ includes the crust and the top of the mantle.
0–100 km
What Mechanical Layer is this?
Lithosphere
A layer of liquid iron and nickel (and other elements) beneath the mesosphere. This is the only layer of Earth that is a true liquid.
5100–6370 km
What Mechanical Layer is this?
Outer Core
Beneath the asthenosphere. It encompasses the lower mantle, where material still flows but at a much slower rate than in the asthenosphere.
350–2900 km
What Mechanical Layer is this?
Mesosphere
The layer of gases that surround the planet.
Atmosphere
The masses of frozen water. For example, frozen lakes, frozen rivers, frozen oceans, and glaciers are part of the __________.
Earth’s Spheres – Above the Crust
Cryosphere
The global sum of all ecosystems and living organisms.
Earth Science
Earth’s Spheres – Above the Crust
Biosphere
All the water on Earth in liquid form. For example, lakes, rivers, and oceans are all part of the ________.
Earth Science
Earth’s Spheres – Above the Crust
Hydrosphere
The outermost shell of Earth. Earth’s crust is the _________.
Earth Science
Earth’s Spheres – Above the Crust
Lithosphere
The gases present in Earth’s atmosphere are:
Earth Science
Nitrogen – 78%
Oxygen – 21%
Argon – .09%
Carbon dioxide – .01%
Helium – small traces
Neon – small traces
Other gases – small traces
Earth’s atmosphere also contains multiple layers:
Earth Science
Troposphere0–12 km above Earth. *Most of Earth’s weather occurs here.
Stratosphere12–50 km above Earth. *Contains the ozone layer.
Mesosphere50–80 km above Earth.
Thermosphere80–700 km above Earth.
Exosphere700–1000 km above Earth.
Earth’s atmosphere also contains multiple layers:
0–12 km above Earth. *Most of Earth’s weather occurs here.
Earth Science
Troposphere
12–50 km above Earth. *Contains the ozone layer.
Earth’s atmosphere also contains multiple layers:
Earth Science
Stratosphere
50–80 km above Earth.
Earth’s atmosphere also contains multiple layers:
Earth Science
Mesosphere
Earth’s atmosphere also contains multiple layers:
80–700 km above Earth.
Earth Science
Thermosphere
Earth’s atmosphere also contains multiple layers:
700–1000 km above Earth.
Earth Science
Exosphere
Are formed because of Earth’s tectonic plates smashing together.
Earth Science
Mountains
Are formations made from rocks that exist on the lithosphere. Examples include volcanoes, mountains, and canyons.
Earth Science
Geologic formations
Are formed when magma from within Earth’s upper mantle erupts through the surface.
Earth Science
Volcanoes
Are formed by weathering and erosion caused by the movement of rivers. ______ are also formed by tectonic activity.
Earth Science
Canyons
Are usually caused when plates rub against each other in an opposite motion, and rock underground suddenly breaks along a fault. This sudden release of energy causes seismic waves that make the ground shake.
Earth Science
Earthquakes
A seismic wave is an elastic wave caused by an earthquake. There are three types of seismic waves:
Earth Science
Primary (P waves), Secondary (S waves), & Surface
Seismic Waves
These are the fastest waves
(5 kilometers per second or approximately 3 miles
per second) and can travel through solid, liquids, and gases.
Earth Science
Primary (P waves)
Seismic Waves
Travels through Earth’s interior at about half the speed of primary waves. ____________ can travel through rock, but unlike primary waves, they cannot travel through liquids or gases.
Earth Science
Secondary (S waves)
Seismic Waves
_______ are seismic waves that move along Earth’s surface, not through its interior. ________ waves are the slowest of the three seismic waves.
Earth Science
Surface
________ are giant waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea. Out in the depths of the ocean, ________ waves do not dramatically increase in height. However, as the waves travel inland, they build up to higher and higher heights as the depth of the ocean decreases. The speed of _______ waves depends on ocean depth. ________ may travel as fast as jet planes over deep waters, only slowing down when they reach shallow waters.
Earth Science
Tsunamis
The theory that Earth’s outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle or the rocky inner layer above the core. The plates move and separate, causing Earth to separate and change.
Earth Science
Plate tectonics
Plate tectonics
Pulling apart
Earth Science
Divergent
Plate tectonics
Coming together
Earth Science
Convergent
Plate tectonics
Sideways and downward movement of the edge of a plate into the mantle beneath another plate
Earth Science
Subduction
Is a mixture of minerals, organic matter, gases, liquids, and many organisms that together support life on Earth.
Earth Science
Soil
Also called the hydrologic cycle, is a continuous circulation of water throughout Earth and Earth’s atmosphere.
Earth Science
The water cycle
The Water Cycle
Is rain and snow.
Earth Science
Precipitation
The Water Cycle
Is when water turns from a liquid to a gas (water
vapor).
Earth Science
Evaporation
The Water Cycle
Is when water vapor turns back into liquid—water collects as droplets on a cold surface when humid air is in contact with it, forming clouds.
Earth Science
Condensation
The Water Cycle
Is when plants suck water from roots to the small pores in leaves, releasing the water vapor into the atmosphere.
Earth Science
Transpiration
The main stages of the water cycle are:
Earth Science
- Evaporation
- Condensation
- Precipitation
- Transpiration
Earth’s history
4.5 billion
Earth is formed out of debris around the solar protoplanetary disk. There is no life. Temperatures are extremely hot with frequent volcanic activity. The Moon is formed around this time.
Earth Science
Hadean
Earth’s history
2.5 billion
Prokaryote life, the first form of life, emerges. The atmosphere is composed of volcanic and greenhouse gases.
Earth Science
Archean
Earth’s history
541 million
Eukaryotes, a more complex form of life, emerge, including some forms of multicellular organisms. Bacteria begin producing oxygen, shaping the third and current of Earth’s atmospheres. Plants, animals (later in this time period), and possibly earlier forms of fungi form around this time.
Earth Science
Proterozoic
Earth’s history
541 million– present
Complex life, including vertebrates, begin to dominate Earth’s ocean. Gradually, life expands to land, and familiar forms of plants, animals, and fungi begin appearing. Animals—including humans—evolve at the most recent phases of this eon.
Earth Science
Phanerozoic
Test tip
Earth Science
Scientists believe Earth is 4.5 billion years old. Earth has a central core, a rocky mantle, and a solid crust. Scientists estimate that life began on Earth 3.8 billion years ago (NASA, n.d.).
Is any naturally occurring solid mass or aggregate of minerals or mineraloid matter. ______ are categorized by the minerals they include, their chemical composition, and their formation (origin). _______ are usually grouped into three main categories: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. _______ form the Earth’s outer solid layer: the lithosphere.
Earth Science
Rock
Rocks
Made from: lava, magma
Looks like: glassy, smooth surface, gas bubble holes, random arrangement of minerals
Examples: granite, pumice, obsidian
Earth Science
Igneous
Rocks
Made from: heat pressure
Looks like: sparkly crystals, ribbon-like layers
Examples: marble, slate, gneiss
Earth Science
Metamorphic
Rocks
Made from: deposition, cementation
Looks like: sand grains or visible pebbles; fossils may be visible
Examples: conglomerate, sandstone, limestone, shale
Earth Science
Sedimentary
Are typically formed when organisms are buried by sediments. As more sediment is deposited, the sediment surrounding the organism is compacted, forming sedimentary rock that contains ________.
Earth Science
Fossils
Is the third planet from the sun. _______ is the densest planet in the solar system, the largest of the solar system’s four terrestrial planets, and the only astronomical object known to harbor life.
Earth Science
Earth
The ____ is the star at the center of the solar system. It is the most important source of energy for life on Earth. The reason the ____ appears so large is that it is the closest star to Earth.
Earth Science
Sun
The __________ is a planetary system that orbits the sun. The __________ consists of the sun and everything that orbits around it. This includes the eight planets and their natural satellites (such as our moon), dwarf planets and their satellites, as well as asteroids, comets, and countless particles of smaller debris.
Earth Science
Solar System
Which planets are similar in size, density, and mass.
Earth Science
Venus and Earth
Other Components of the Solar System
A chunk of ice and rock originating outside of the solar system
Earth Science
Comets
Other Components of the Solar System
A chunk of rock and metal in orbit between Mars and Jupiter
Earth Science
Asteroids
Other Components of the Solar System
A small asteroid
Earth Science
Meteorite
A ________ is a unit of astronomical distance equal to the distance light travels in one year. For example, if an event occurs 13 light years away, it will take 13 years to observe the event from Earth.
Earth Science
Light Year
The _________ in a vacuum is approximately 300,000 km/sec. In a vacuum is where speed of light is fastest. When traveling through any other medium, the ________ is slower.
Earth Science
Speed of Light
Mars is like Earth in terms of ___________ on its axis.
Earth Science
rotation and tilt
A _________ is just over 24 hours, and its rotation axis is tilted by about the same amount as Earth’s rotation on its axis.
Earth Science
Martian day
Seasons are a result of Earth’s __________. When Earth is tilted toward the sun, it is warmer (summer). When Earth is tilted away from the sun, it is colder (winter). During spring and fall, Earth is tilted on its side.
Earth Science
tilt on its axis
Date in the fall when Earth experiences 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. In the Northern Hemisphere, this occurs around September 23.
Earth Science
Fall – Autumn Equinox
Earth’s maximum tilt is toward the sun, causing the longest period of daylight. In the Northern Hemisphere, this occurs around June 22.
Earth Science
Summer – Solstice
Date in the spring when Earth experiences 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. In the Northern Hemisphere, this occurs around March 21.
Earth Science
Spring – Vernal Equinox
The North Pole is tilted farthest away from the sun, causing the shortest period of daylight. In the Northern Hemisphere, this occurs around December 21.
Earth Science
Winter – Solstice
The ______________, introduced by Nicolaus Copernicus, positioned the sun at the center of the universe. Copernicus also asserted that Earth rotates on its axis while revolving around the sun.
Earth Science
heliocentric theory
It was believed that Earth sat stationary at the center of the universe (the _________ theory)
Earth Science
geocentric
A __________ is a powerful and catastrophic event that occurs at the end of the life cycle of certain massive stars. It is a tremendous explosion that releases an immense amount of energy, making it one of the most energetic events in the universe.
Earth Science
supernova
The moon affects the _____.
Earth Science
tides
When the part of the moon that is illuminated is increasing, the moon phase is _________.
A _________ moon is illuminated on the right side.
Earth Science
waxing
When the part of the moon that is illuminated is decreasing, the moon phase is ___________. A ________ moon is illuminated on the left side.
waning
A ______ is a luminous ball of gas, mostly hydrogen and helium, held together by its own gravity
Earth Science
star
A _______ occurs when the moon passes directly behind Earth into its umbra (shadow).
Earth Science
lunar eclipse
A ___________ happens when the moon moves in front of the sun.
Earth Science
solar eclipse
Earth’s patterns, cycles, and change:
Earth spins on its axis. It makes one full rotation on its axis every 24 hours. Earth also revolves around the sun. It takes 365 days for Earth to make one full revolution around the sun.
Earth Science
Patterns
Earth’s patterns, cycles, and change:
Earth’s rotation on its axis and revolution around the sun causes cycles on Earth: day, night, seasons, weather. Other cycles include the phases of the moon, water cycle, and life cycles.
Earth Science
Cycles
Earth’s patterns, cycles, and change:
Earth goes through various ___________.
Some ________- happen quickly; for example, an earthquake or a storm can _______ Earth rapidly. Other ______ happen slowly; for example, the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are separated by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The two continents are moving away from each other at the rate of about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) per year.
Earth Science
Changes
The Earth’s plates are still constantly moving. Plate tectonics cause ______, ___________, and ________.
Earth Science
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and rift valleys.
A major change in Earth is called ____________, which suggests Earth’s continents were all once one big landmass and over time, separated or drifted apart because of plate tectonics.
Earth Science
continental drift
Earth has a __________ that extends from its interior to outer space. A compass is calibrated based on Earth’s ___________.
Earth Science
magnetic field
___________ is a result of human endeavors, imagination, and creativity.
Earth Science
Science
First things first, science is _____-________, meaning students must be given the opportunity to interact with the concepts they are studying. For example, talking about living and nonliving things is one thing. However, going outside and observing living and nonliving things is quite another. Students must have the opportunity to touch, observe, and interact with the environment they are studying.
Earth Science
inquiry-based
For teachers to be effective in the science classroom, they must have a current and relevant understanding of the research governing the profession. There are several ways to do this:
Earth Science
- Teachers can join reputable science organizations. These organizations often publish research teachers can use to guide their decisions in the classroom. Organizations like the NSTA, Association for Science Teacher Education, and the National Earth Science Teacher Association focus on developing effective science teachers through research and professional development.
- Teachers can attend professional development that focuses on researched-based strategies in science.
- Teachers can be data-driven in their decision making.
- Teachers can engage in lifelong learning practices.
There are five main ideas under the unifying concepts and processes of science.
Main Idea:
1. Systems, order, and organizations
2. Evidence, models, and explanations
3. Change, constancy, and measurement
4. Evolution and equilibrium
5. Form and function
Match Earth Science Example:
a. Students use a model of the solar system to discuss the relationship among planets and the sun.
b. Phases of matter and changes in Earth’s sky are examples of evolution and equilibrium.
c. Because of Earth’s tilt on its axis, we experience changes in seasons as the we move through the year.
d. Earth’s features like its mass and shape impact functions such as gravity and rotation.
e. Parts are related to the whole. For example, the atmosphere affects the entire climate of Earth. That climate impacts humans. Humans impact the environment.
Earth Science
1-e
2-a
3-c
4-b
5-d
Which of the following is the most common gas in Earth’s atmosphere?
Earth Science
Nitrogen
Which of the following is true about how far the Moon is from Earth and the Sun?
A. The Moon is much closer to the Sun than it is to Earth.
B. The Moon is much closer to Earth than it is to the Sun.
C. The Moon’s proximity to the Earth and Sun cannot be calculated.
D. The Moon is the same distance from Earth as it is from the Sun.
Earth Science
The Moon is much closer to Earth than it is to the Sun.
This is the explosion of a high-mass star as it approaches the end of its life cycle.
Earth Science
Supernova
Of the following, which is most directly related to plate tectonics? Choose all that apply.
El Niño
Global warming
Earthquakes
Mountain formation
The water cycle
Earth Science
Mountain formation
Earthquakes
The relative positions of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth affect which of the following? Choose all that apply.
Eclipses
Tides
Phases of the Moon
Earth rotation
Earth’s tilt on its axis
ALL OF THE ABOVE
What types of rocks contain fossils?
Earth Science
Sedimentary
Which THREE of the following statements about stars are true?
A. Stars are made mostly of hydrogen and helium.
B. Most stars orbit planets.
C. Various stars have different temperatures.
D. Some stars exist for longer periods than other stars.
Earth Science
A. Stars are made mostly of hydrogen and helium.
C. Various stars have different temperatures.
D. Some stars exist for longer periods than other stars.
Which of the following is an example of a renewable energy source on Earth?
Earth Science
Solar power
Which process is responsible for the formation of clouds during the water cycle?
Earth Science
Condensation
Which scientist proposed the theory of continental drift?
Earth Science
Alfred Wegener
Living things have physical entities and biological processes, such as homeostasis, cell division, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis. Nonliving things do not have these processes and are classified as ___________.
inanimate
Cell theory made up of three components:
- All living things are composed of cells.
- The cell is the smallest unit of life.
- All cells come from pre-existing cells.
The organization of life is as follows:
Cells Tissues
Organs
Organ Systems
Organisms
A ____________ is a unicellular organism that lacks a nucleus, mitochondria, or any other membrane-bound organelle (NC State University, n.d.). In a prokaryotic cell, the Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA) floats freely throughout the cell. __________ are divided into two domains: archaea and bacteria.
prokaryote
A __________ is a multicellular organism that contains a nucleus, mitochondria, and membrane-bound organelles.
eukaryote
The structures within the cell membrane or cell wall are called _________.
organelles
The main structures of the cell are:
Fluid, permeable outside covering of the cell. In a plant cell, this is a cell wall and it is rigid.
Cellular membrane
The main structures of the cell are:
Command center of the cell. The nucleus controls the rest of the cell. This is where the DNA lives in eukaryotic cells.
Nucleus
The main structures of the cell are:
Water-like substance in the cell.
Cytoplasm
The main structures of the cell are:
Powerhouse (energy source) of the cell.
Mitochondria
Animal and plant cells are both __________.
eukaryotic
(a multicellular organism that contains a nucleus, mitochondria, and membrane-bound organelles.)
Animal cells go through a process of _____________. This is the process of taking in food in the form of carbohydrates, making energy in the form of ATP, and removing waste. The equation for this process is:
glucose (sugar) + oxygen →
carbon dioxide + water + energy (as ATP)
cellular respiration
Plant cells make their own food through __________. This is the process of using carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight, and turning them into carbohydrates. The equation for this process is:
carbon dioxide + water + sunlight → glucose (sugar) + oxygen
photosynthesis
There are two main types of reproduction in living things: _______ and _________.
sexual
asexual
Involves two parents. Each parent contributes a gamete to the process of reproduction. Gametes are sex cells. In males, the gametes are sperm. In females, the gametes are ova (or eggs). ___________ occurs in plant and animal cells.
Sexual reproduction
Involves only one parent.
Asexual reproduction
There are four main types of asexual reproduction.
________ is when a single parent cell doubles its DNA, then divides into two cells. This usually occurs in bacteria.
Binary fission
There are four main types of asexual reproduction.
_______ is when a small growth on the surface of parent breaks off to continue growing into adulthood. This typically occurs in yeast and some animals.
Budding
There are four main types of asexual reproduction.
____________ is when a piece of an organism breaks off, and those pieces develop into a new organism. This happens with starfish. If a piece of a starfish leg breaks off, the fragment will form a new starfish.
Fragmentation
There are four main types of asexual reproduction.
__________ is when an embryo develops from an unfertilized cell. This occurs in invertebrates as well as in some fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
Parthenogenesis
According to cell theory, all cells come from pre-existing cells. For that to happen, cells must reproduce, and they must reproduce rapidly. Cells reproduce by going through _________—a series of steps in creating an identical cell from another cell
mitosis
The four main phases of mitosis.
__________ (technically not a main part of mitosis, but it is important to know) – The cell prepares for division. It plumps up and replicates its DNA within its nucleus.
Interphase
The four main phases of mitosis.
The DNA tightly coils into chromosomes to make splitting efficient. The nuclear membrane dissolves. The microtubes or spindle fibers move to opposites sides of the cell.
Prophase
The four main phases of mitosis.
The chromosomes (tightly coiled DNA) move to the middle of the cell. The spindle fibers attach to each chromosome.
Metaphase
The four main phases of mitosis.
The spindle fibers begin to pull apart the chromosomes, bringing them to opposites sides of the cell for efficient splitting.
Anaphase
The four main phases of mitosis.
With the chromosomes at either side of the cell, the two new cells pinch off, forming two identical sister cells of the original cells. Cytokinesis is when the cell separates into two cells during the final stage of mitosis.
Telophase
