Basics of Scientific Method

• Science represents an organized system for understanding the natural world.
• It achieves this through observation, experimentation, and analysis.
• Science evolves continuously, expanding our knowledge.
• The goal of science is to uncover and elucidate facts and principles.

Scientific Method

• Scientists use the scientific method to investigate phenomena.
• It helps them acquire new knowledge or correct existing understanding.
• Empirical evidence and logical reasoning form the basis of the scientific method.
• The method typically includes observation, hypothesis formulation, prediction, experimentation, and analysis.

Observation

• This is the first action in the scientific method.
• It involves noticing and describing events or phenomena.
• Observations can be qualitative and descriptive or quantitative and numerical.

Hypothesis

• A hypothesis provides a testable explanation for an observed phenomenon.
• Key is the falsifiability, meaning it can be proven wrong
• Often articulated as an "if-then" statement.

Prediction

• This is a statement indicating what will occur if the hypothesis holds true.
• This forms the basis for designing experiments.
• Predictions should be specific and measurable.

Experiment

• Experiments are controlled tests of a hypothesis.
• This involves manipulating one or more variables.
• Aims to isolate the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.

Analysis

• Analysis involves examining and interpreting experimental results.
• Statistics and other tools are used during analysis.
• This determines whether results support or refute the hypothesis.

Branches of Science

• Science is divided into natural, social, and formal sciences.
• Natural sciences explore the physical world.
• Social sciences study human behavior and societies.
• Formal sciences study abstract concepts.

Natural Sciences

• Natural sciences focus on the physical world.
• This includes living organisms and the universe.
• Physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science are included here.

Physics

• Physics studies the fundamental laws of nature.
• Includes matter, energy, motion, and forces.
• This covers mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and nuclear physics.

Chemistry

• The composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter are explored.
• This includes atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, and organic chemistry.

Biology

• This is the study of living organisms.
• Includes their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution.
• Cell biology, genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology are included here.

Earth Science

• Earth science encompasses the study of the Earth.
• Includes its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.
• Geology, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental science are included here.

Social Sciences

• These concentrate on the study of human society and social behavior.
• Psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, and political science comprise the social sciences.

Psychology

• The human mind and behavior are areas of study.
• Perception, cognition, emotion, motivation, and social behavior are included here.

Sociology

• Human societies, their interactions, and institutions are examined.
• Social stratification, social change, and social problems are included here.

Anthropology

• Human societies and cultures and their development are studied.
• Archaeology, linguistics, and cultural anthropology are included here.

Economics

• Economics analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
• Microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics are included here.

Political Science

• The theory and practice of politics and government are studied.
• Political systems, political behavior, and public policy are included here.

Formal Sciences

• Formal systems generate knowledge in these sciences.
• Mathematics, logic, and computer science are examples.

Mathematics

• Abstract structures, relationships, and patterns are studied.
• Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and calculus are included here.

Logic

• Principles of valid reasoning and argumentation are examined.
• Propositional logic, predicate logic, and modal logic are included here.

Computer Science

• Computation and information processing are studied.
• Also, the design and development of computer systems.
• Algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and artificial intelligence are included here.

Scientific Theories and Laws

• Theories and laws form important components of scientific knowledge.
• They differ in scope and purpose.

Scientific Theory

• A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation.
• These theories explain why things happen.
• Includes the theory of evolution, the theory of relativity, and the germ theory of disease.

Scientific Law

• A scientific law is a descriptive statement or equation.
• These laws describe what happens.
• Includes the law of gravity, the laws of thermodynamics, and Ohm's law.

Measurement and Units

• This is essential in science for quantifying observations and conducting experiments.
• The International System of Units (SI) is the standard system of measurement used in science.

SI Base Units

• Meter (m): measures length
• Kilogram (kg): measures mass
• Second (s): measures time
• Ampere (A): measures electric current
• Kelvin (K): measures temperature
• Mole (mol): measures amount of substance
• Candela (cd): measures luminous intensity

Derived Units

• These are combinations of base units.
• They measure quantities like velocity (m/s).
• Acceleration (m/s²)
• Force (N = kg⋅m/s²)
• Energy (J = kg⋅m²/s²)

Importance of Science

• Advancing human knowledge is a crucial role of science.
• Improving technology and addressing societal challenges are others.

Technological Advancements

• Transformed society through scientific discoveries.
• Electricity, computers, telecommunications, and medical imaging are a direct result.

Understanding the World

• Science provides a framework.
• Helps us answer questions about the universe and life.

Addressing Societal Challenges

• Science addresses climate change and combats disease.
• It ensures food security and improves energy production.

Scientific Literacy

• Scientific literacy helps understand and apply scientific knowledge and reasoning.
• Empowers informed decisions.
• Important to evaluate scientific claims.
• Enables participation in discussions.

Critical Thinking

• This is essential for evaluating scientific information.
• Involves questioning assumptions and identifying biases.
• Also assessing evidence.

Communication

• Scientists communicating their findings is important.
• The public understanding issues is essential.