Branches of Science and Scientific Method

Study Notes

Branches of Science

Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.
Physics studies matter, energy, and their interactions.
Chemistry studies the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter.
Biology studies living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environments.
Earth science examines the Earth's structure, processes, and history.
Astronomy studies celestial objects and phenomena.
Other scientific disciplines include, but are not limited to, computational science and engineering.

Scientific Method

The scientific method is a systematic approach to research.
It involves making observations, formulating a hypothesis, designing experiments, collecting data, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions.
The process is iterative, meaning that results can lead to further revisions of the hypothesis or formulation of entirely new hypotheses.
Key components of the scientific method typically include:
- Observation: Recognizing a phenomenon.
- Question: Asking a specific question about the observation.
- Hypothesis: A proposed answer to the question
- Prediction: What would happen if the hypothesis was true?
- Experiment: Controlled set of procedures to test the hypothesis.
- Data Analysis: Examination and interpretation of experimental outcomes.
- Conclusion: Determining if the data supports or refutes the hypothesis.

Scientific Laws and Theories

Scientific laws describe relationships between physical quantities, and are concise statements of fundamental relationships.
Scientific theories explain observed phenomena. They are well-supported explanations that encompass many observations and experiments.
Theories are not static; they can be refined and modified as new evidence emerges.
Laws describe what happens, theories explain why.
Examples of scientific laws: Newton's laws of motion, the law of gravity, and the law of thermodynamics.

Scientific Inquiry

Scientific inquiry is the systematic process of investigation that aims to understand the natural world.
It involves asking questions, developing hypotheses, designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating findings.
Key aspects of scientific inquiry include:
- Objectivity: Keeping personal bias out of the research process
- Reproducibility: Demonstrating that experiments can be replicated by others.
- Skepticism: Questioning and evaluating results critically.
- Openness: Sharing research findings and methods openly.
Essential to the scientific enterprise are skepticism, replicability, transparency and a logical, rigorous methodology.

Nature of Science

Science is a process, not a body of facts.
Science is constantly evolving as new discoveries and technologies enable refinements.
Scientific understanding is always tentative, open to modification as new evidence emerges.
Science is limited to the natural world, not to supernatural or philosophical explanations.
Scientific explanations are based on evidence and reasoning, using tools like experimentation, observation, and modeling.
Ethical considerations are important, as any scientific pursuit must consider possible consequences for the environment, human health and other factors.

Description

Explore the fundamental branches of science including physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and astronomy. Additionally, learn about the scientific method, a systematic approach to research employed by scientists to investigate natural phenomena. Test your knowledge on these essential concepts!