Definition and Branches of Science

Study Notes

Definition of Science

Science is a systematic body of knowledge about the natural world, developed using the scientific method.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences: Include disciplines like Biology and Physics, focusing on physical universe laws.
Social Sciences: Examine human behavior and societies, with Sociology as a key example.
Humanities: Investigate aspects of human culture, including philosophy and history.

Examples of Disciplines

Biology: Encompasses Zoology (study of animals) and Botany (study of plants).
Physics: Covers fields like Chemistry (study of substances) and Astronomy (study of celestial bodies).

Origin and Study of the Universe

Origin of the Universe: Investigated primarily through Astronomy.
Origin of Planets: Explored using Geology (study of the Earth) and Meteorology (study of weather).
End of the World Scenarios: Considerations include Nuclear war, pandemics, and ecological collapse.

First Scientific Revolution

Key Figures: Notable scientists include Galileo Galilei (telescopic innovations), Nicolas Copernicus (heliocentric model), and Charles Darwin (theory of evolution).
Contributions: Their work laid foundational principles for modern science.

Scientific Inquiry

Process: Involves forming observations, hypotheses, testing, and data analysis.
Hypothesis vs. Theory: Hypotheses are testable, while theories are comprehensive explanations.
Hypothesis Testing: Uses experimental and comparative methods to ascertain validity.

Steps of Scientific Inquiry

Problem Identification: Define a specific issue to investigate.
Research: Collect relevant data and background information.
Hypothesis Formation: Create predictive, testable statements.
Testing the Hypothesis: Execute experiments and evaluate outcomes.
Conclusion: Decide whether to accept or reject the hypothesis based on evidence.
Communication: Share findings and solicit critical feedback.

Technology

Definition: Practical implementation of knowledge in fields like industrial arts and manufacturing.
Technology Process: Encompasses identification, conceptualization, production, and application phases.

Development vs. Innovations

Innovations: Transform prototype inventions into commercially viable products.
Development: Converts research discoveries into new materials, devices, or processes.

Classification of Technology

First Wave Technology: Characterized by pre-industrial, labor-intensive practices.
Second Wave Technology: Features industrial, capital-intensive methods rooted in classical principles.
Third Wave Technology: Represents a post-industrial phase, reliant on contemporary scientific knowledge.

Society

Definition: A community of individuals living together with shared objectives.
Evolution of Societies: Societal development has progressed from hunter-gatherer groups to complex manufacturing and processing systems.

Description

Explore the various definitions of science and the different branches that categorize scientific knowledge. This quiz covers Natural Sciences such as Biology and Physics, as well as Social Sciences and Humanities. Test your understanding of how these branches interconnect and contribute to our knowledge of the universe.