In 1972, the crew aboard the Apollo 17 spacecraft captured what would become one of the most widely used photos of all time: an image of Earth as seen from 45,000 km above. From this view, it was apparent that our home planet is a complex system consisting of a web of interconnected biological, chemical, and physical components. We will explore the physical aspects of Earth with specific attention to the role of geological, hydrological, and atmospheric processes in the Earth system, and how these systems support life. Our investigation will involve the analysis and interpretation of relevant Earth Science data; we will also discuss how these data are obtained, analyzed, and presented. Participation in outdoor field excursions and laboratory activities is expected and may require some physical activity.