Why Design an Earth System Science Course? The Earth system
approach has emerged as a dominant paradigm in Earth and space
science research. Environmental pressures, such as global
climate change, have stimulated the development of new fields of
study requiring scientists who operate across traditional
disciplinary boundaries. Earth system science provides a
unifying framework to structure interdisciplinary training.
Building Technological Capacity The Earth system approach
evolved with our technological capacity to remotely-sense
planetary change. Students and scientists alike now have
tremendous access to sensed imagery and datasets, satellite
photography, and scientific visualizations. These resources
provide an unprecedented opportunity for students to conduct
authentic research and gain technical and analytical skills
within the context of introductory-level coursework. Earth
system science courses support holistic undergraduate education
goals. Pedagogic research indicates student learning is
supported