A more robust, systems science approach is increasingly being used to teach Earth Science. This approach stresses the interdependence of seemingly diverse phenomena of the atmosphere, oceans, solid earth and biosphere. It also stresses the common physical and chemical principles that underlie many of these diverse phenomena. In this program students are active participants who progress from being users to creators of software. A summary outline of the program as well as specific examples of laboratory exercises regarding applications of mapping, density, convection, wave refraction, and remote sensing are presented.