Nitty Gritty Science ©2015

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Nitty Gritty Science ©2015

Table of Contents:
Intro to Earth Science
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Description Page #
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Introduction 3
Section 1: The Study of Earth Science 4
Earth’s Systems 5
Earth’s Systems Printable page 2 6
Earth’s Systems Printable page 3 7
Answer Key 8
Earth’s Systems (no cryosphere) 9
Earth’s Systems Printable page 2 (no cryosphere) 10
Earth’s Systems Printable page 3 (no cryosphere) 11
Quiz: The Study of Earth Science 12
Section 2: Science Lab Safety 13
Student Lab Safety Contract 14
Safety Symbol Matchbooks 15
Quiz: Science Lab Safety 16
Section 3: Methods of Science 17
Earth Science File Cut-outs – Page A 18
Earth Science File Cut-outs – Page B 19
Quiz: Methods of Science 20
Answer Key (Quizzes) 21
Contact and Copyright Information 22
Appendix: Teacher Notes – LARGE Print 23-24

Introduction
If you are new to the idea of using a Science Interactive Notebook in your
classroom, stop by my Nitty Gritty Science shop and download my Intro to
Science Interactive Notebooks tutorial for FREE! In there you will find tips on Page
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how to begin with your students, what materials to have on hand and, most
importantly, how it will enhance your students learning through reflection and
creativity.
Focused Lessons with Differentiated Instruction
The lessons shared on the following pages cover National Science Standards
and meet students’ needs. I have given you the notes that I would give my
students (Right Side – Input Side of Notebook) so you can understand what I’m
having the students focus on when working on their creative assignments (Left
Side – Output Side of Notebook). Each lesson focuses on a Question of the
Day (QOD) represented in red in the top margin of each “Input” page with
student giving answer in red on “Output” page.
Left Side – Output
Instructions for each Output Side are included. This includes cut-outs, foldables
or master copies where applicable. You may find that students work slow at
first, but once groups are organized and students know what is expected from
them, not only will you see more energy focused on the final product, but also
you will be shocked at the level of creativity certain students have in certain
areas.
Mini-Assessments
Mini quizzes will be given for each section so you may monitor student’s level of
understanding. For reproduction purposes, there are two quizzes to a page so
you can cut in half and save on some paper 

Section 1: The Study of Earth Science
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Instructions:
Students will start off with a strong

foundation in Earth Science with this
activity which will give them on overview
of Earth’s systems and how everything
they learn this year will somehow connect
to one or more of the systems.
Two versions of the Earth Systems

printable is included – one with cryosphere,
one without, along with cut-outs, an answer
key and a mini-quiz.
Earth’s Systems
Directions:
1. Cut out and color the diagrams of the five different systems of Earth. Next cut
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the Earth diagram along the dotted lines, being sure to stop cutting the “slices” at the |5
solid border.
2. Match each Earth system with its label and paste in the appropriate space provided
on The Systems of Earth page.
3. Place the Earth cut-out over the systems of Earth by lining up the “slices” and
pasting it down using the outer border.
4. Fold back each “slice” and write a description of each Earth’s system that it covers.
5. Paste the completed page into your Science Interactive Notebook.

Earth’s Systems cont.
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The Systems of Earth
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Answer Key
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Lithosphere – Solid part of Earth made up of rocks, minerals and other elements, not including the oceans.
Biosphere – Part of planet where living things can be found – from upper atmosphere to the bottom of the oceans.
Atmosphere – Thin layer of gasses that surround our planet – allows for varied climates, or long term weather
conditions.
Hydrosphere – Includes all of the water on Earth – from oceans to lakes to underground water. A major force that
shapes weather and climate.
Cryosphere – Includes all of Earth’s frozen water including glaciers, permafrost and sea ice.

Earth’s Systems
Directions:
1. Cut out and color the diagrams of the four different systems of Earth. Next cut
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the Earth diagram along the dotted lines, being sure to stop cutting the “slices” at the |9
solid border.
2. Match each Earth system with its label and paste in the appropriate space provided
on The Systems of Earth page.
3. Place the Earth cut-out over the systems of Earth by lining up the “slices” and
pasting it down using the outer border.
4. Fold back each “slice” and write a description of each Earth’s system that it covers.
5. Paste the completed page into your Science Interactive Notebook.

Earth’s Systems cont.
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The Systems of Earth
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Name _______________________________________________________________ Date _________________
Quiz: The Study of Earth Science
Matching
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_____ 1. geology a. shapes Earth’s surface by building
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mountains and landmasses
_____2. astronomy b. study of conditions in the atmosphere
_____3. biosphere c. system that includes all the water on Earth
_____4. cryosphere d. study of forces that have shaped the
Earth
_____5. meteorology e. part of the planet where all living things
can be found
_____6. hydrosphere f. force that wears away mountains and
other features of Earth’s surface
_____7. constructive force g. study whose focus in on solar system,
stars and galaxies
_____8. destructive force h. system that includes all of Earth’s frozen
water
Name _______________________________________________________________ Date _________________
Matching
_____ 1. geology a. shapes Earth’s surface by building

mountains and landmasses
_____2. astronomy b. study of conditions in the atmosphere
_____3. biosphere c. system that includes all the water on
Earth
_____4. cryosphere d. study of forces that have shaped the
Earth
_____5. meteorology e. part of the planet where all living things
can be found
_____6. hydrosphere f. force that wears away mountains and
other features of Earth’s surface
_____7. constructive force g. study whose focus in on solar system,
stars and galaxies
_____8. destructive force h. system that includes all of Earth’s frozen
water

Section 2: Science Lab Safety
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Instructions:
This is always a good to have in

the Science Interactive
Notebooks as a reminder to
students that they signed a Lab
Safety Contract and agreed to
follow the safety guidelines.
Attached is the Lab Safety

Contract, Safety Symbol
matchbooks and a mini-quiz.

Student Science Laboratory Safety Contract
Directions: Take this Science Laboratory Safety Contract home and read it over with your parents.
Once you and your parents understand how you are to appropriately act in the science lab, go ahead and
initial each statement below. You and your parent/guardian will both sign and date the bottom portion of
the lab safety contract which will need to be returned to your teacher. Paste the top portion into your Page
Science Interactive Notebook. | 14
The Student Science Laboratory Safety Contract states that I agree to:
________ Act responsibly at all times in the laboratory.
________ Follow all instructions given – orally or written by my teacher.
________ Perform ONLY those activities assigned and approved by my teacher.
________ Protect my eyes, face, hands and body by wearing proper clothing and using protective
equipment provided by my school.
________ Carry out good housekeeping practices as instructed by my teacher.
________ Know the location of safety and first aid equipment in the laboratory.
________ Notify my teacher immediately of an emergency.
________ NEVER work alone in the laboratory.
________ NEVER eat or drink in the laboratory unless instructed to do so by my teacher.
________ Handle living organisms or preserved specimens only when authorized by my teacher, and
then always carefully and with respect.
________ NEVER enter or work in a supply area unless instructed to do so and supervised by my
teacher.
(Return this portion to your teacher.)
I, __________________________________________________________________, (print name) have read and understand each statement in the Student
Science Laboratory Safety Contract. I agree to follow the safety rules set in place by my teacher, school and any
other safety regulation put in place by the school district. I understand by doing so I am protecting myself and others
from unnecessary harm.
_________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________
Student Signature Date
I acknowledge that my student has read this contract and understands its contents and has signed it in good faith.
_________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________
Parent Signature Date

Directions: Cut out the safety symbol matchbooks. Fold on dotted lines and write safety rule on matchbook tab and
describe the safety rule on the inside of each matchbook. Paste into your Science Interactive Notebook.
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Name _________________________________________________________________________________________ Date _________________
Quiz: Science Lab Safety
Identify the safety symbol and explain what its meaning.

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___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________

___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
Name _________________________________________________________________________________________ Date _________________
Quiz: Science Lab Safety
Identify the safety symbol and explain what its meaning.
___________________ ___________________ ___________________

___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________

___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________

Section 3: Methods of Science
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Instructions:
The Earth Science Reference

section is really a page that
students will be able to come back
to as a reference guide. Add
more pockets with other
resources down the road if you
would like!
All templates and reference

materials are provided for the
Earth Science Files along with a mini-quiz.

Earth Science Files
Directions: Cut out Earth Science File cards, pocket and labels below. Paste appropriate label on each
file. Fold and paste Earth Science File pocket into your Science Interactive Notebook. Place files in the
pocket in order to be accessible when you need to use for a reference.
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EARTH
SCIENCE
FILES

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Weather Station
Model
Solar System
Data
Rock Cycle

Name _____________________________________________________________________________ Date _________________
Quiz: Methods of Science
Circle the answer that makes the statement correct.
1. A rule that describes a pattern in nature is a scientific (law, theory). Page

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2. A (hypothesis, prediction) is a possible explanation for an observation that can be tested by
scientific investigation.
3. Scientific (inquiry, theory) is a process that uses a set of skills to answer questions or to
test ideas about the natural world.
4. The International System of Units is the internationally accepted system for (language,
measurement).
5. A(n) (anemometer, barometer) is a common tool used by Earth Scientists to measure the
speed and force of wind.
6. The unit for mass is called a (mole, kilogram).
7. A statement of what will happen next in a sequence of events is a (prediction, guess).
8. Kelvin is a base unit used when measuring (electric currents, temperature).
Name _____________________________________________________________________________ Date _________________
Circle the answer that makes the statement correct.
1. A rule that describes a pattern in nature is a scientific (law, theory).
2. A (hypothesis, prediction) is a possible explanation for an observation that can be tested by

scientific investigation.
3. Scientific (inquiry, theory) is a process that uses a set of skills to answer questions or to
test ideas about the natural world.
4. The International System of Units is the internationally accepted system for (language,
measurement).
5. A(n) (anemometer, barometer) is a common tool used by Earth Scientists to measure the
speed and force of wind.
6. The unit for mass is called a (mole, kilogram).
7. A statement of what will happen next in a sequence of events is a (prediction, guess).
8. Kelvin is a base unit used when measuring (electric currents, temperature).

Answer Key

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1. d 2. g 3. e 4. h 5. b 6. c 7. a 8. f
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Quiz: Science Lab Safety (from left to right)
Sharp objects
Animal Safety
Plant Safety
Hand washing
Proper disposal
Physical safety
1. law
2. hypothesis
3. inquiry
4. measurement
5. anemometer
6. kilogram
7. prediction
8. temperature

Thank you for your recent download of the new Earth
Science Interactive Notebook series!
I know this resource will allow you and your students to

have a successful year using Science Interactive Page
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Notebooks and will be a wonderful portfolio to show all
they have learned throughout the school year. I can
guarantee students will show pride in their work and be willing to share their
notebook entries with you, their classmates and their families.
Please check out my store for the Physical and Life Science Interactive
Notebook Series, as well as my Science Inquiry Units. Also, check out my new
blog www.NittyGrittyScience.blogspot.com to see examples and how we’re
getting down to the Nitty Gritty in Science Education!!
Happy Investigating,
Dr. Erica L Colón
Copyright Information
© 2015 Erica L Colón: Nitty Gritty Science. All rights reserved by the author.
My terms for use for all products available are as follows:
Purchase of this unit entitles the purchaser the right to reproduce the pages in limited
quantities for classroom use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or
commercial purposes is strictly forbidden without written permission from the author: Erica
Colón: NittyGrittyScience@gmail.com or by purchasing multiple licenses.
Copying any part of this product and placing it on the internet in any form (even a
personal/classroom website) is strictly forbidden and is a violation of the Digital Millennium
Copyright Act (DMCA). You may post pictures from using this product in your classroom as
long as you provide a link back to my store.

Question: What are Earth’s major systems and how do they interact?
THE STUDY OF EARTH SCIENCE

Earth Science – body of knowledge about Earth and its place Page
in the universe | 23
Earth scientists use several use several BIG IDEAS to guide them:
 Structure of Earth’s systems
 Earth’s history
 Earth in the solar system
system – group of parts that work together as a whole
Matter and energy constantly move from one part of the Earth
system to another
energy – the ability to do work or cause change
Forces have changed Earth’s surface throughout its history:
Constructive forces Destructive forces

shape Earth’s surface by slowly wear away mountains
building mountains and and every other feature
landmasses on Earth’s surface
Earth science has several branches, including:
Geology – study of forces that have shaped Earth
Oceanography – study everything from chemistry of ocean

water to ocean floor and marine organisms
Meteorology – study of conditions in the atmosphere
Astronomy - focus on solar system, stars and galaxies
Environmental science – study Earth’s environment and resources

Question: What do scientists use when they perform scientific investigations?
METHODS OF SCIENCE
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Scientific inquiry is a process that uses a set of skills to answer
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questions or to test ideas about the natural world.
scientific law – rule that describes a pattern in nature

scientific theory – explanation of things or events that is based on
knowledge gained from many observations and investigations
hypothesis – a possible explanation for an observation that can be

tested by scientific investigation
prediction – a statement of what will happen next in a sequence

of events
International System of Units (SI) – is the internationally accepted

system for measurement
SI Base Units
Quantity Measured Unit Symbol
length meter m
mass kilogram kg
time second s
electric current ampere A
temperature Kelvin K
amount of substance mole mol
intensity of light candela cd
Common Tools Used By Earth Scientists

binoculars – enable people to view faraway objects more clearly
compass – instrument that shows magnetic north
wind vane – device that rotates to show the direction of the wind
anemometer – tool used to measure the speed and force of wind
streak plate – piece of hard, unglazed porcelain that helps identify

minerals
Want more Earth Science?
Check out these other resources from Nitty Gritty Science:

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Life Science and Physical Science Interactive Notebooks
also available:

Special Thanks to the following for Page
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specific graphics/fonts featured in this
download:
DJ Inkers

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