What it covers
Earth and space science studies the planet we live on and the universe around it: the geosphere (rocks, plate tectonics), the hydrosphere (oceans and water), the atmosphere (weather and climate), and space. Environmental science adds the crucial question of how humans and Earth's systems affect each other.
The main topics
- Geology — rocks, minerals, plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes
- Weather & climate — the atmosphere, weather systems, and climate change
- Oceans & water — the water cycle, ocean systems, freshwater resources
- Space — the solar system, stars, and the universe
- Environmental science — ecosystems, resources, pollution, sustainability
In the K-12 arc
Earth science runs strong in elementary and middle school (weather, rocks, the solar system, Earth's systems). In high school it appears as a standalone Earth Science course and, increasingly, as AP Environmental Science — a popular, accessible science that connects biology, chemistry and earth science to real-world issues.
NGSS and Earth's systems
The NGSS give Earth and space science equal footing with the other sciences and emphasize systems thinking — seeing Earth as interconnected spheres — and using real data (from satellites, ice cores, seismographs) to understand the planet, including human impacts and climate change, which are treated as established science.
How it's measured
Earth science can fulfill a state's science requirement, and AP Environmental Science offers college credit for a course prized for its real-world relevance and lighter math load compared to chemistry or physics.
Timely and interdisciplinary
This is the science most directly connected to current events — climate, natural disasters, resources and sustainability — which makes it engaging but also occasionally politically charged. Taught well, it equips students to understand the biggest environmental challenges of their lifetimes using evidence.
Careers it opens
The field leads to environmental science and policy, geology and energy, meteorology, oceanography, conservation, urban planning and the fast-growing green economy. See the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and the Careers section.
How families can help
- Explore nature, national parks, rivers and the night sky
- Track weather and talk about the seasons and climate
- Discuss environmental choices and sustainability at home
- Connect the science to the news
Lessons and related resources
See the Science lesson library, the parent subject Science, and Geography, which overlaps closely.
Frequently asked questions
- Is AP Environmental Science a good choice? Yes for many students. It's relevant, interdisciplinary and less math-heavy than chemistry or physics, while still earning college credit.
- Is climate change part of the curriculum? Yes. Under the NGSS, climate change is taught as established science, using data from many sources to understand Earth's systems and human impacts.
- How is earth science different from geography? They overlap. Earth science focuses on physical processes (rocks, weather, oceans, space); geography adds the human dimension of places and people.
- What careers come from environmental science? Environmental science and policy, geology, energy, meteorology, oceanography, conservation and the growing green economy.