Core Concepts of Science

Core Concepts of Science

• Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.
• It relies on empirical evidence, meaning it draws conclusions from observable phenomena and experimental data.
• Science uses a process known as the scientific method to investigate the natural world.

The Scientific Method

• The scientific method is a framework for systematic investigation involving:
  • Observation: Recognizing a phenomenon worthy of study.
  • Questioning: Posing a specific, testable question about the observation.
  • Hypothesis Formation: Developing a testable explanation or prediction (hypothesis) for the question.
  • Prediction: Formulating specific predictions that would be true if the hypothesis were correct.
  • Experimentation: Designing and conducting experiments to test the prediction. Data collection and analysis.
  • Conclusion: Evaluating the data and drawing conclusions based upon its support or refutation of the hypothesis. This may lead to further investigation or refinement of hypothesis.
• The scientific method is iterative; results often lead to new questions and further experiments.

Branches of Science

• Natural sciences: Focus on the physical world and its phenomena.
  • Physics: Studies matter, energy, motion, force, and the fundamental laws governing the universe.
  • Chemistry: Studies the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter.
  • Biology: Studies living organisms and their interactions. This can include:
    • Botany: Studies plants
    • Zoology: Studies animals
    • Ecology: Studies the interactions among organisms and their environment.
• Earth science: Studies the Earth's composition, structure, processes, and history, including:
  • Geology: Studies the Earth's physical structure, processes, and history.
  • Meteorology: Studies atmospheric phenomena.
  • Oceanography: Studies the oceans.
• Social sciences: Study human behavior and societies.
  • Psychology: Examines mental processes and behavior.
  • Sociology: Examines human societies and social behavior.
  • Economics: Studies production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Scientific Principles

• Objectivity: Scientists strive to avoid bias and rely only on empirical evidence.
• Reproducibility: Experiments should be able to be repeated by others, getting similar results.
• Falsifiability: A scientific hypothesis must be testable and potentially disproven by evidence. A hypothesis that cannot be tested or falsified is not considered a scientific hypothesis.
• Peer Review: Scientists share their work with other experts in the field to receive feedback and scrutiny before publication. This helps ensure validity and accuracy.
• Skepticism: A healthy skepticism about claims and results is a cornerstone of science.

Scientific Models and Theories

• Models: Simplified representations of complex systems or processes used to understand or predict their behavior.
• Theories: Well-supported explanations of natural phenomena based on a large body of evidence. They are far more comprehensive than hypotheses and are constantly refined or replaced with better explanations as evidence evolves.

Science and Society

• Science impacts every aspect of our lives, providing tools and insights that influence technological advances, social policy, and personal choices.
• The role of science in addressing global challenges such as climate change, disease, and resource management is crucial.