Branches of Science and Scientific Method

Branches of Science

• Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.
• There are many branches of science, each focusing on a specific aspect of the natural world. These include:
  • Physics: Studies matter, energy, and their interactions.
  • Chemistry: Studies the composition, properties, and reactions of matter.
  • Biology: Studies living organisms and their interactions.
  • Earth Science: Studies the Earth's systems, including its composition, structure, processes, and history.
  • Astronomy: Studies celestial objects and phenomena.
  • Geology: Focuses on the Earth's physical structure and substance, its history, and the processes that shape it.
  • Paleontology: Studies prehistoric life through the fossil record.

Scientific Method

• The scientific method is a systematic approach to acquiring knowledge about the natural world:
  • Observation: A careful examination of the natural world and identifying a phenomenon needing explanation.
  • Question: Formulating a question or problem that arises from the observation.
  • Hypothesis: A testable statement or prediction about the relationship between variables.
  • Prediction: A clear statement of what will happen if the hypothesis is correct.
  • Experiment: A controlled test of the prediction using a procedure that isolates the variables being studied.
  • Data Analysis: Collection and evaluation of the results of the experiment to determine if the data supports the hypothesis and prediction.
  • Conclusion: Drawing inferences based on the results. The conclusion states whether the hypothesis is supported or rejected.

Scientific Theories & Laws

• A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; theories allow scientists to make valid predictions about future observations.
• A scientific law describes a relationship or pattern in nature. Examples include Newton’s Laws of Motion and the Law of Conservation of Energy. Laws are often mathematical equations that describe observed phenomena. Theories explain the underlying reasons for those laws and often arise from multiple lines of evidence and multiple hypotheses that have been experimentally validated.

Scientific Inquiry

• Scientific inquiry is a way of asking and answering questions, but it's also about creating new ideas and challenging past ideas. It's not just about memorizing facts.
• Characteristics of scientific inquiry:
  • Objectivity: Aiming for unbiased observations.
  • Creativity: Developing new ideas and methodologies.
  • Skepticism: Evaluating evidence critically.
  • Open-mindedness: Considering alternative explanations.
  • Communication: Sharing findings with other scientists through publication.
  • Ethical considerations: Ensuring experiments and research are carried out safely and ethically.

Scientific Measurement

• Measurement in science involves assigning numerical values to observations. Measurements rely on standard units of measurement.
• Important aspects of measurement include:
  • Accuracy: How close a measurement is to the true value.
  • Precision: How consistently repeated measurements agree with one another.
  • Significant figures: Indicate the precision of a measurement.
  • Units: The quantities and standard scales that describe the measurements.

Scientific Models

• Models are representations of complex objects or systems used to understand how they work and make predictions.
• Types of scientific models:
  • Physical models: Concrete representations, like a scale model of the Solar System, representing the size and relative positions of objects.
  • Conceptual models: Abstract representations, like a model that explains how photosynthesis occurs.
  • Mathematical models: Representations using equations to describe relationships. These can simulate scenarios and make predictions.