Why We Study Earth Science

Posted on 7 April 2011 by Mr. G

Frequently students will ask “why do we have to learn science?” and in particular Earth Science. Seems they’d rather dissect a frog. But when tragedies like earthquakes and tsunamis strike, like the recent catastrophe in Japan, we see the importance of this line of study.

Earth science helps us to better predict these events, develop warning systems, create buildings that can withstand the stress and ultimately save lives. In this situation we also have to understand the consequences of our energy choices, both at home and abroad. With this recent news clip from ABC News, we see how our understanding of ocean currents plays a role also.

Student Water Use

Posted on 23 October 2010 by Mr. G

On average we used 209 liters or 55 gallons of water per day, per student. Amazingly only about 5% of our use was for consumption (cooking and drinking), while 45% was for bathing. Even so you only averaged 10 minutes of shower time per day.

If we were to add irrigation the numbers would soar! One inch of water on 1,000 sq ft of lawn equals 623 gallons (that’s 2,358 liters). So how many square feet of lawn do you have and how many times per week do you water? It is easy to see how that 55 gallons per person can easily become 120-150 gallons per day. Irrigation is often 45-75% of our water use.