Introduction to Science

Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

Natural Sciences
- Study of natural phenomena.
- Includes physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and earth sciences.
Formal Sciences
- Study of formal systems, such as mathematics and logic.
- Not based on empirical data but rather on abstract reasoning.
Social Sciences
- Study of human behavior and societies.
- Includes psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics.
Applied Sciences
- Practical application of scientific knowledge.
- Includes engineering, medicine, and technology.

Observation
- Making careful and detailed observations of phenomena.
Question
- Formulating a question based on observations.
Hypothesis
- Developing a testable explanation or prediction.
Experimentation
- Conducting experiments to test the hypothesis.
- Involves controlled variables and systematic testing.
Analysis
- Analyzing data collected from experiments.
Conclusion
- Drawing conclusions about the hypothesis based on data.
- May lead to further questions or iterations of the process.
Peer Review
- Submission of findings for evaluation by other experts in the field.

Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.
Law: A statement that describes a consistent observation or relationship, typically in the form of a mathematical expression.
Model: A representation of a concept or phenomenon used to understand and predict behaviors.

Science is the systematic pursuit of knowledge about the universe through testable explanations and predictions.

Natural Sciences study natural phenomena such as physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and earth sciences.
Formal Sciences focus on formal systems such as mathematics and logic, using abstract reasoning rather than empirical data.
Social Sciences explore human behavior and societies, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics.
Applied Sciences apply scientific knowledge to practical applications, such as engineering, medicine, and technology.

The scientific method is a systematic process for investigating phenomena.
It involves **observation, question, hypothesis, experimentation, analysis, conclusion, **and peer review.
Observation is the starting point, leading to the formulation of a question.
A hypothesis is a testable explanation or prediction.
Experimentation involves controlled variables and systematic testing to gather data.
Analysis involves interpreting the data collected.
Conclusions are drawn based on the data, which may lead to further questions or refinements of the process.
Peer review ensures the quality and rigor of scientific findings by other experts in the field.

Scientific knowledge is empirical, meaning it's based on observable and measurable evidence.
It's tentative, subject to change as new evidence emerges.
It's falsifiable, meaning it can be tested and potentially disproven.
It's replicable, allowing experiments to be repeated by others to verify results.

A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.
A law describes a consistent observation or relationship, often expressed mathematically.
A model is a representation of a concept or phenomenon used for explanation and prediction.

Scientists are expected to maintain integrity in research and reporting.
The impact of scientific work on society and the environment must be considered.
The responsible use of technology and information is paramount.

Science plays a crucial role in education, healthcare, and environmental stewardship.
It is essential for informed citizenship and advocacy for science-based policy.