Study Guide
Test Design and Test Objectives
Field 45: Earth Science
Test Overview
| Format | Computer-based test (CBT) |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 100 selected-response questions |
| Time | 2 hours and 30 minutes (does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial) |
| Passing Score | 240 |
Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.
Test Objectives
| Subareas | Range of Objectives | Approximate Test Proportions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Characteristics of Science | 01–05 | 22% |
| II | Origin and Evolution of the Earth System | 06–09 | 17% |
| III | Geologic Materials, Processes, and Cycles | 10–14 | 22% |
| IV | The Hydrosphere and the Atmosphere | 15–19 | 22% |
| V | Astronomy | 20–23 | 17% |
| Total Proportion | 100% | ||
Subarea I–Characteristics of Science
Objective 0001: Understand the historical and contemporary contexts of the study of Earth and space science.
For example:- analyzing the development of major ideas in Earth and space science and the historical relationship of Earth and space science to other scientific disciplines
- recognizing the contributions to the development of Earth and space science made by individuals and societies from different periods and cultures
- demonstrating knowledge of the ways in which the contemporary practice of Earth and space science relies on other scientific disciplines, mathematics, and technology
- demonstrating knowledge of the social and cultural contexts of the historical development and contemporary practice of Earth and space science
Objective 0002: Understand the nature of science and scientific inquiry.
For example:- analyzing processes by which science advances and new scientific knowledge and hypotheses are generated
- recognizing the roles of empirical data, verifiable evidence, and logical reasoning in carrying out scientific investigations
- recognizing the definitions of and interrelationships among scientific hypotheses, theories, and laws
- demonstrating knowledge of ethical issues related to the practice of science (e.g., accurately reporting experimental results, researcher bias)
Objective 0003: Understand the principles and procedures of scientific investigations.
For example:- identifying the types of questions that can be answered using methods of scientific inquiry
- analyzing what procedures and considerations need to be taken into account in setting up and conducting a scientific investigation
- recognizing different sampling and measurement techniques that are appropriate for different types of scientific investigations
- demonstrating knowledge of the use of independent variables, dependent variables, and controls in testing scientific hypotheses
- analyzing the appropriateness of a specified observational approach or experimental design for testing a particular hypothesis in Earth and space science
- applying critical-thinking and reasoning skills in Earth and space science contexts
Objective 0004: Understand the processes of gathering, organizing, reporting, and analyzing scientific data in the context of Earth and space science investigations.
For example:- analyzing the appropriateness of a given method or procedure for collecting data for a specified purpose
- demonstrating knowledge of the design and use of maps and models to analyze Earth and space science phenomena
- recognizing the type of graph, diagram, or table that is most appropriate for organizing and representing a particular data set
- demonstrating knowledge of the application of descriptive statistics (e.g., mean, median, mode, standard deviation) for interpreting scientific data, making predictions, and drawing conclusions
- recognizing the criteria for formally reporting the results of scientific investigations to the scientific community
- demonstrating knowledge of spatial concepts (e.g., latitude, topography, scale)
Objective 0005: Understand how Earth and space science interrelates with society, technology, and the other sciences and applies to everyday life.
For example:- demonstrating knowledge of the unifying concepts and principles (e.g., systems, entropy, conservation of matter and energy, cause and effect, classification) that are common among different sciences
- analyzing the effects of technological developments (e.g., computers, remote sensing, satellites) on Earth and space science
- demonstrating knowledge of how Earth and space science is affected by developments in other scientific disciplines (e.g., DNA analysis to study evolutionary relationships, chemical analysis of gases trapped in ice sheets to evaluate historical changes in climate)
- recognizing the effects that research in Earth and space science has on society and everyday life
- analyzing how water scarcity, pollution, natural hazards, and a changing climate have affected society and personal decision making
- demonstrating knowledge of how the interaction among science, society, and the popular media affects the development of policies related to Earth and space science
Subarea II–Origin and Evolution of the Earth System
Objective 0006: Understand the formation and structure of the Earth and the role of internal and external energy in the Earth's formation.
For example:- demonstrating knowledge of evidence for the age of the Earth
- demonstrating knowledge of the origin and characteristics of the chemical and physical layers of the Earth
- demonstrating knowledge of the internal and external sources of energy involved in the Earth's formation and dynamics
- demonstrating knowledge of the processes involved in the formation of continental and oceanic crust
- recognizing the stages in the development of the Earth's oceans and atmosphere and changes in the composition of the atmosphere over time
- demonstrating knowledge of the characteristics and origin of the Earth's magnetic field
Objective 0007: Understand plate tectonics and the internal dynamics that drive plate movements.
For example:- demonstrating knowledge of the evidence used to establish the theory of plate tectonics
- analyzing mechanisms that drive tectonic plate motions and the different types of boundaries formed between tectonic plates
- recognizing how the movement and interaction of tectonic plates has changed the Earth's surface over geologic time, including the formation and breakup of supercontinents and the accretion of materials during subduction
- analyzing crustal deformation in terms of plate boundary processes (e.g., faulting, folding, orogenesis)
- demonstrating knowledge of the origin, age, and evolution of the ocean basins
Objective 0008: Understand the Earth's history, the geologic time scale, and the theory and application of relative and absolute dating techniques.
For example:- demonstrating knowledge of the principles and applications of relative dating and stratigraphy
- demonstrating knowledge of the theory and practice of radiometric dating
- demonstrating knowledge of the geologic time scale, the fossil record, and the processes involved in fossilization
- analyzing changes to the biosphere over geologic time and the effects these changes had on the Earth system
- recognizing the causes and characteristics of changes in the Earth's climate system over geologic time
- demonstrating knowledge of the theories of the origin and evolution of life over geologic time
Objective 0009: Understand the processes that create and change landforms.
For example:- analyzing the processes of mechanical, chemical, and biological weathering and factors that affect the rate at which rocks weather
- analyzing the processes of erosion by wind, water, and glaciers and the characteristic landforms and geologic features produced by different types of erosion
- demonstrating knowledge of depositional processes and the different types of landforms and deposits formed by wind, water, and glacial activity
- recognizing how soils form and the characteristics of soils formed in different climate regions
- demonstrating knowledge of the relationship between climate and tectonics in landscape evolution
Subarea III–Geologic Materials, Processes, and Cycles
Objective 0010: Understand the physical and chemical properties of Earth materials.
For example:- demonstrating knowledge of the structure of the atom and the characteristics of isotopes and radioactive decay
- demonstrating knowledge of the periodic table and how atoms combine to form molecules and compounds through different types of chemical bonding
- demonstrating knowledge of how bonding and structure influence properties of Earth materials
- demonstrating knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of water
Objective 0011: Understand minerals and rocks, their formation, and their identification.
For example:- identifying common minerals based on their physical and chemical properties (e.g., hardness, cleavage, specific gravity, reaction with acid)
- demonstrating knowledge of common minerals associated with the major mineral groups (e.g., silicates, carbonates, oxides, sulfides, sulfates, halides)
- identifying common rocks (e.g., granite, basalt, limestone, shale, schist, gneiss) based on their composition, texture, and processes of formation
- demonstrating knowledge of the processes involved in the formation of sedimentary rocks and their relationship to the rock cycle
- demonstrating knowledge of the processes involved in the formation of igneous rocks and their relationship to the rock cycle
- demonstrating knowledge of the processes involved in the formation of metamorphic rocks and their relationship to the rock cycle
Objective 0012: Understand volcanoes and other types of igneous activity.
For example:- demonstrating knowledge of the different types of volcanoes and volcanic eruptions
- demonstrating knowledge of the relationship between plate tectonics and global patterns of igneous activity
- analyzing the origins of different types of magma
- analyzing the damage caused by volcanic eruptions in different geologic settings
Objective 0013: Understand earthquakes.
For example:- analyzing the causes and characteristics of earthquakes and the relationships among earthquakes, volcanism, and plate tectonics
- demonstrating knowledge of the propagation and analysis of seismic waves generated by earthquakes, including how seismology is used to determine the size, location, and energy release of earthquakes
- demonstrating knowledge of the relationship between faulting and earthquakes
- analyzing the damage caused by earthquakes in different geologic settings
Objective 0014: Understand geochemical cycles.
For example:- demonstrating knowledge of the physical and chemical processes involved in the cycling of Earth materials among the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere
- analyzing the carbon cycle and its role in the climate system
- recognizing the characteristics of the biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen, phosphorus, and oxygen
- demonstrating knowledge of the processes by which mineral ores and energy resources are formed
Subarea IV–The Hydrosphere and the Atmosphere
Objective 0015: Understand freshwater systems.
For example:- demonstrating knowledge of watersheds, wetlands, lakes, and streams, including factors affecting the movement of water through a watershed (e.g., vegetation, gradient, topography) and the development and characteristics of river systems
- recognizing the characteristics of aquifer systems, including the use and recharge of groundwater resources
- analyzing the interactions between groundwater and subsurface geology
- demonstrating knowledge of factors that affect current and future water quantity and quality in the southwestern United States and globally
- demonstrating knowledge of the distribution, use, pollution, and management of freshwater resources, including methods for reclaiming and conserving freshwater in arid and semiarid regions
Objective 0016: Understand the structure and composition of different layers in the atmosphere and atmospheric processes.
For example:- demonstrating knowledge of the structure and composition of the atmosphere
- analyzing how the different components of the atmosphere interact with energy from the Sun and energy radiated from the Earth's surface, including the function of the ozone layer
- analyzing the processes by which energy is transferred to and within the atmosphere by radiation, convection, and conduction
- demonstrating knowledge of how particulate matter and aerosols in the atmosphere affect the climate system
- recognizing the causes of different types of atmospheric pollution and the effects various pollutants have on people and the environment
Objective 0017: Understand the Earth's climate system.
For example:- demonstrating knowledge of the cause of Earth's seasons
- analyzing how the energy imbalance at different latitudes, the Coriolis effect, and friction produce prevailing wind patterns
- recognizing global factors that affect the Earth's climate in different regions (e.g., the subtropical high-pressure belt, the intertropical convergence zone) and the physical characteristics of different geographic climate regions, such as deserts and tropics
- demonstrating knowledge of climate phenomena, including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and monsoon wind systems
- analyzing regional factors that influence climate (e.g., altitude, latitude, proximity to bodies of water, topography)
- recognizing the characteristics of the polar and subtropical jet streams, prevailing surface winds, and air masses
- demonstrating knowledge of the effects of greenhouse gases, volcanic eruptions, and long-term changes in insolation on the climate system
Objective 0018: Understand weather and weather prediction.
For example:- analyzing the characteristics of high- and low-pressure systems, including factors affecting the vertical and horizontal movement of air associated with high and low atmospheric pressure (e.g., pressure gradients, friction, the Coriolis effect)
- demonstrating knowledge of the conditions under which different types of severe weather develop (e.g., thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes) and the precautions that can be taken in preparation for severe weather
- analyzing how weather is influenced by geographic features (e.g., mountain ranges, bodies of water), cities, and atmospheric pollution
- analyzing weather conditions using weather-map symbols and the station model
Objective 0019: Understand the characteristics of ocean water, currents, and waves.
For example:- demonstrating knowledge of the physical and chemical characteristics of ocean water
- analyzing the characteristics of ocean surface currents and thermohaline circulation, the factors that influence them, and their relationship to climate
- demonstrating knowledge of the properties of ocean waves and coastal currents and their effects on coastal geomorphology, barrier islands, and coastal sediment transport
- demonstrating knowledge of tsunamis, including their causes, propagation over large distances, and effects on coastal regions
- recognizing how human activities affect the chemical and physical properties of the oceans
Subarea V–Astronomy
Objective 0020: Understand the characteristics and interactions of the Earth-Moon-Sun system.
For example:- demonstrating knowledge of the motions of the Earth and Moon
- analyzing how the motions and interactions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun produce solar and lunar eclipses, changes in length of day, tides, and the phases of the Moon
- analyzing how the Earth's rotation and orbit cause the apparent motions of the stars, planets, and Sun
- demonstrating knowledge of the Sun's structure, evolution, and energy production
- recognizing characteristics of the solar cycle, solar flares, and prominences and the effects of the solar cycle on the Earth
Objective 0021: Understand the characteristics and formation of the solar system.
For example:- demonstrating knowledge of the solar nebula theory of the origin of the solar system and its components, including comets and asteroids
- demonstrating knowledge of the position of the planets in relation to the Sun and their physical characteristics
- analyzing the properties of planets, asteroids, and comets
- demonstrating knowledge of the motions of objects in the solar system, the effects of gravity on objects in the solar system, and Kepler's three laws of planetary motion
- recognizing the characteristics of the celestial sphere and its use in astronomy
Objective 0022: Understand characteristics of stars and galaxies.
For example:- recognizing the different types of stars and their characteristics
- demonstrating knowledge of the life cycles of different types of stars
- applying knowledge of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram to analyze the characteristics of different types of stars
- demonstrating knowledge of the spectroscopic analysis of stars and how stellar characteristics can be used to determine the age, distance, and relative motion of stars
- recognizing the characteristics of different types of galaxies (e.g., spiral, elliptical), including the Milky Way
Objective 0023: Understand theories of the origin and evolution of the universe.
For example:- demonstrating knowledge of the big bang theory of the origin of the universe, the cosmic inflation hypothesized to have occurred shortly after the big bang, and the evidence supporting these theories
- demonstrating knowledge of Hubble's law and the evidence on which it is based
- demonstrating knowledge of the different types of telescopes and technology used in studying objects in the universe
- recognizing the concepts of dark matter and dark energy and the evidence supporting their existence