Chapter 1
Earth Science
Course: Elementary Education Multiple Subjects 7001
Subject: Elementary Education Science Subtest 7005
Chapter: Earth Science
Earth’s natural systems operate in repeating and often predictable patterns that are responsible for shaping the landscape, regulating climate, distributing resources, and supporting life. These patterns, which occur at various temporal and spatial scales, are often driven by energy from the Sun, internal heat from Earth’s interior, and gravitational interactions with the Moon. Teachers must understand how processes such as weathering, erosion, plate tectonics, atmospheric circulation, the water cycle, and biogeochemical cycles interact to cause long- and short-term changes on Earth.
1. Weather and Climate Patterns
Weather refers to atmospheric conditions at a specific time and place, including temperature, humidity, wind, cloud cover, and precipitation. Climate is the long-term average of weather over a broader region and longer time span (typically 30 years or more).
Atmospheric patterns are driven primarily by the Sun’s uneven heating of Earth’s surface, which creates differences in air pressure that generate wind and influence global circulation cells (Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells). The Coriolis effect, caused by Earth’s rotation, deflects wind patterns and contributes to the development of trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies.