Introduction to Science

Science

• Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.
• It is based on empirical evidence, which is obtained through observation and experimentation.
• Scientific methods involve formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, collecting data, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions.
• Key branches of science include physics, chemistry, biology, and Earth science.
• Scientific knowledge is constantly evolving as new discoveries and technologies emerge.
• The scientific process is cyclical, with new observations often leading to revised theories and further research.
• Scientific theories are well-substantiated explanations of some aspect of the natural world that can incorporate facts, laws, inferences, and tested hypotheses.
• Scientific laws are descriptions of how nature works using a concise mathematical expression.
• Scientific models are representations of objects or systems.
• Scientific communication is crucial for sharing findings, encouraging collaborations, and allowing peer review.
• Ethical considerations are important in science to ensure responsible conduct and prevent misuse.
• Scientific literacy is the ability to understand and evaluate scientific information and its impact on society and the environment.

EVS (Environmental Value Systems)

• EVS is a framework for understanding how individuals and societies perceive and value the environment.
• It encompasses a range of values, beliefs, and attitudes towards the natural world and its associated concepts, such as conservation, sustainability, and pollution.
• EVSs influence how we make decisions about environmental issues.
• Influencing factors include cultural background, religious beliefs, economic status, and personal experiences.
• Different types of EVSs exist, including anthropocentric, biocentric, ecocentric, and technocentric.
• Anthropocentric views prioritize human well-being and needs above those of the environment.
• Biocentric views value all living things and maintain a balance within nature.
• Ecocentric views emphasize the interconnectedness of living and nonliving components in an ecosystem, considering the entire ecological system.
• Technocentric views believe humans can overcome environmental problems through technological innovations and progress.
• Understanding different EVSs is crucial in environmental policymaking and conflict resolution.
• EVSs can be shaped and changed by education, exposure to new information, and personal experiences with environmental issues.
• EVS influences individual choices regarding environmental concerns, such as consumption patterns, transportation choices, and waste management.
• Consideration of EVSs is important for addressing environmental issues effectively.