What Do We Need to Know About Earth Science?

My colleague Andrew Alden, the About.com Geology Guide, shares information about the Earth Science Literacy Initiative, which "aims to gather and codify the underlying understandings of Earth sciences into a succinct document that would have broad-reaching applications in both public and private arenas. It will establish the 'Big Ideas' and supporting concepts that all Americans should know about Earth sciences." I think it's a great idea and it reminds me a lot of the National Geography Standards developed in 1994. The Big Ideas of the Earth Science Literacy Initiative are the following...

Big Idea #1: Earth is 4.6 billion years old and the rock record contains its history.
Big Idea #2: Earth is a complex system of interactions between rock, water, air and life.
Big Idea #3: Earth is a continuously changing planet.
Big Idea #4: Earth is the water planet.
Big Idea #5: Life evolves on a dynamic Earth and continuously modifies Earth.
Big Idea #6: Humans Depend on Earth for Resources.
Big Idea #7: Earth science reduces the impacts of natural hazards.
Big Idea #8: Humans have become a significant agent of change on Earth.

Take a look at the draft document (PDF) on the ESLI site and share your thoughts!