Basics of Science

• Science uses a systematic and organized approach to understand the natural world.
• Science involves observation, experimentation, and the formulation of theories to explain natural phenomena.

Core Principles

• Empiricism indicates knowledge comes from observation and experimentation.
• Rationalism employs reason and logic for deriving theories and explanations.
• Skepticism means scientific claims are always open to questioning and revision.
• Objectivity is when scientists minimize bias in their observations and interpretations.

Scientific Method

• Observation involves identifying a phenomenon or problem to be investigated.
• Hypothesis consists of formulating a testable explanation or prediction.
• Experimentation includes designing and conducting controlled tests to gather data.
• Analysis means interpreting data to determine whether it supports or refutes the hypothesis.
• Conclusion involves drawing conclusions based on the evidence and revising the hypothesis if necessary.
• Communication is sharing findings with the scientific community through publications and presentations.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences study the physical world and life sciences concern living organisms.
• Social Sciences involve the study of human behavior and societies.
• Formal Sciences include disciplines such as mathematics and logic.

Natural Sciences

• Physics studies matter, energy, and their interactions.
• Chemistry studies the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter.
• Biology studies living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution.
• Earth Science studies the Earth's structure, properties, processes, and evolution.
• Astronomy studies celestial objects and phenomena.

Scientific Theories

• Scientific theories comprehensively explain natural phenomena supported by extensive evidence.
• These theories are well-substantiated explanations, not guesses or speculations, of the natural world.
• Theories can be modified or replaced as new evidence emerges.
• Examples are the theory of evolution, the theory of general relativity, and the germ theory of disease.

Scientific Laws

• Scientific laws concisely describe natural phenomena that hold true under specific conditions.
• These laws are typically expressed as mathematical equations.
• Laws describe what, but not necessarily why, happens.
• Examples are the law of gravity, the laws of thermodynamics, and the laws of motion.

Measurement and Units

• Measurement is the process of assigning numerical values to physical quantities.
• Standard units are used to ensure consistency and comparability in measurements.
• The International System of Units (SI) is the standard system of units used in science.
• SI base units include meter (m) for length, kilogram (kg) for mass, second (s) for time, ampere (A) for electric current, kelvin (K) for temperature, mole (mol) for amount of substance, and candela (cd) for luminous intensity.

Data Analysis

• Statistics are used to analyze and interpret data.
• Descriptive statistics summarize the main features of a dataset.
• Inferential statistics are used to draw conclusions and make predictions based on data.
• Common statistical measures include mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and correlation.

Error Analysis

• Error analysis involves identifying and quantifying the uncertainties in measurements.
• Random errors are unpredictable variations in measurements.
• Systematic errors are consistent biases in measurements.
• Error bars are used to represent the uncertainty in data points on graphs.

Scientific Instruments

• Scientific instruments are tools used to make observations and measurements.
• Examples include microscopes, telescopes, spectrometers, and particle accelerators.
• Instruments must be calibrated to ensure accuracy.

Experimentation

• Experiments are controlled tests designed to investigate specific hypotheses.
• Independent variables are manipulated by the experimenter.
• Dependent variables are measured to determine the effect of the independent variable.
• Control groups are used to provide a baseline for comparison.
• Replication is essential to ensure the reliability of experimental results.

Ethics in Science

• Honesty: Scientists must be truthful in observations, data analysis, and reporting.
• Objectivity: Scientists must minimize bias in their research.
• Openness: Scientists should share their data, methods, and results.
• Credit must be given for others' contributions.
• Responsibility means scientists are responsible for the consequences of the research.

Communication in Science

• Scientific findings are communicated through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and presentations.
• Peer review is when experts evaluate research quality and validity.
• Effective communication is essential for science advancement.

Impact of Science

• Science has had a profound societal impact, leading to advances in medicine, technology, and global understanding.
• Scientific discoveries have enhanced the quality of life and transformed economies.
• Science also poses challenges, such as ethical and environmental concerns.

Science and Technology

• Science is the pursuit of knowledge, while technology applies scientific knowledge to solve practical problems.
• Science and technology are closely intertwined, driving each other forward.
• Technological advancements enable new scientific discoveries, and scientific discoveries lead to new technology.

Pseudoscience

• Pseudoscience includes claims or practices presented as scientific but not adhering to the scientific method.
• Pseudoscience often lacks empirical evidence, relies on anecdotes, and resists critical evaluation.
• Examples include astrology, homeopathy, and creationism.

Scientific Literacy

• Scientific literacy is the ability to understand and apply scientific concepts and principles.
• This literacy is essential for informed decision-making in a world shaped by science and technology.
• Promoting scientific literacy is an important goal of science education.