This Scientific Literacy and Inquiry lab course aims to put Earth science in a broader context by examining the latest science at the micro, human (e.g., climate change impacts and mitigation) and global (e.g., global warming) scales. It is designed to develop skills in map-reading, problem-solving, and to foster hands-on learning of the interactions between Earth processes, the environment, and humans. We will apply the scientific method and foster student analysis of scientific data and models to evaluate leading concepts in Earth science. Finally, through case studies and debates, it will discuss science vs. pseudo-science, current controversies, and how earth science affects our everyday lives.