Branches and Definition of Science

Definition of Science

• Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge.
• Involves observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences
   • Study of natural phenomena.
   • Examples: Physics, Chemistry, Biology.
2. Formal Sciences
   • Study of abstract concepts and logical systems.
   • Examples: Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science.
3. Social Sciences
   • Study of human behavior and societies.
   • Examples: Psychology, Sociology, Economics.
4. Applied Sciences
   • Use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
   • Examples: Engineering, Medicine, Environmental Science.

Scientific Method

1. Observation
   • Gather information through sensory experience.
2. Question
   • Pose a question based on observations.
3. Hypothesis
   • Formulate a testable explanation or prediction.
4. Experimentation
   • Conduct experiments to test the hypothesis.
5. Analysis
   • Analyze data and results.
6. Conclusion
   • Draw conclusions based on analysis; support or refute the hypothesis.
7. Communication
   • Share findings with the scientific community.

Key Concepts

• Theory vs. Law

  • Theory: Well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world.
  • Law: Statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes an aspect of the world.

• Variables

  • Independent Variable: The factor that is changed.
  • Dependent Variable: The factor that is measured.
  • Controlled Variables: Factors kept constant to ensure a fair test.

• Peer Review

  • Process of evaluation by other experts in the field to ensure quality and validity of research.

Importance of Science

• Advances technology and medicine.
• Informs policy and environmental decisions.
• Enhances understanding of the universe and human existence.

Scientific Literacy

• Ability to understand, evaluate, and apply scientific information.
• Critical for informed decision-making and participation in civic life.

Definition of Science

• Systematic approach for building and organizing knowledge through observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences: Focus on understanding natural phenomena; includes Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• Formal Sciences: Concerned with abstract concepts and logical systems; includes Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science.
• Social Sciences: Study human behavior and societal interactions; includes Psychology, Sociology, and Economics.
• Applied Sciences: Leverage scientific knowledge for practical applications; includes Engineering, Medicine, and Environmental Science.

Scientific Method

• Observation: Involves gathering information through sensory experiences.
• Question: Requires formulating a question based on initial observations.
• Hypothesis: Involves creating a testable prediction or explanation.
• Experimentation: Conducting tests to evaluate the hypothesis.
• Analysis: Analyzing experimental data and results to draw insights.
• Conclusion: Arriving at conclusions that either support or refute the hypothesis based on the analysis.
• Communication: Sharing research findings with the scientific community for validation and discussion.

Key Concepts

• Theory vs. Law:
  • Theory: Well-substantiated explanations for aspects of the natural world.
  • Law: Statements describing consistent phenomena based on repeated observations.
• Variables:
  • Independent Variable: The factor that is manipulated in an experiment.
  • Dependent Variable: The factor that is measured in response to changes.
  • Controlled Variables: Factors that are kept constant to ensure experimental integrity.
• Peer Review: Evaluation process wherein research is scrutinized by other experts to ensure quality and validity.

Importance of Science

• Drives technological advancements and improvements in medicine.
• Influences policy decisions and approaches to environmental issues.
• Increases comprehension of the universe and human existence.

Scientific Literacy

• Refers to the capacity to understand, evaluate, and utilize scientific information.
• Essential for informed decision-making and active participation in societal matters.

Explore the definition of science, its branches, and the scientific method through this comprehensive quiz. Test your knowledge on natural, formal, social, and applied sciences, along with the steps involved in scientific inquiry. A great way to solidify your understanding of scientific principles!