Question
1. Word Parts Write the word astronomy and its
definition. Then use a dictionary to look up the
READING
meanings of astro- and -nomy. Do
TOOLBOX this for two more words that have
the suffix -nomy.
USING KEY TERMS
Use each of the following terms in a separate
sentence.
2. observation
3. peer review
4. theory
For each pair of terms, explain how the meanings
of the terms differ.
5. hypothesis and theory
6. geology and astronomy
7. oceanography and meteorology
8. dependent variable and independent variable
9. Earth science and geology
UNDERSTANDING KEY IDEAS
STIR
ALIA
Answer
Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects and phenomena. Astro- is derived from the Greek word for "star" and -nomy is derived from the Greek word for "law". Two other words with the suffix -nomy are economics and taxonomy.
Sentences: Observation is the process of gathering information through the senses. Peer review is the evaluation of work by one's peers. Theory is an explanation of an event or phenomenon based on scientific evidence.
The difference between a hypothesis and a theory is that a hypothesis is an educated guess while a theory is an explanation of an event or phenomenon based on scientific evidence. The difference between geology and astronomy is that geology is the study of the Earth's physical structure and processes while astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects and phenomena. The difference between oceanography and meteorology is that oceanography is the study of the ocean while meteorology is the study of the atmosphere. The difference between a dependent variable and an independent variable is that a dependent variable is a variable that is affected by the independent variable while an independent variable is a variable that affects the dependent variable. The difference between Earth science and geology is that Earth science is the study of the Earth and its components while geology is the study of the Earth's physical structure and processes.