Introduction to Science and Its Branches

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

Natural Sciences
- Study of the natural world.
- Includes:
  - Physics: Study of matter and energy.
  - Chemistry: Study of substances and their reactions.
  - Biology: Study of living organisms.
  - Earth Science: Study of the Earth and its processes.
Formal Sciences
- Study of abstract concepts.
- Includes:
  - Mathematics: Study of numbers, quantity, structure, and change.
  - Logic: Study of reasoning and argument.
Social Sciences
- Study of human behavior and societies.
- Includes:
  - Psychology: Study of the mind and behavior.
  - Sociology: Study of social behavior and society.
  - Economics: Study of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Enhances understanding of natural phenomena.
Drives technological advancements.
Informs public policy and decision-making.
Contributes to problem-solving in various fields, including health, environment, and engineering.

Theory: Well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.
Law: Statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes an aspect of the universe.
Hypothesis: Proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
Experiment: A procedure carried out to support or refute a hypothesis.

Integrity: Honesty in conducting and reporting research.
Responsibility: Accountability for the research impact on society and the environment.
Respect for subjects: Ethical treatment of human and animal subjects in research.

Systematic enterprise focused on building and organizing knowledge through testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

Natural Sciences: Investigate the natural world.
- Physics: Examines matter and energy.
- Chemistry: Analyzes substances and their reactions.
- Biology: Explores living organisms and their interactions.
- Earth Science: Studies the Earth and its processes.
Formal Sciences: Concerned with abstract concepts.
- Mathematics: Investigates numbers, structure, and change.
- Logic: Engages in reasoning and argumentation.
Social Sciences: Focus on human behavior and societal structures.
- Psychology: Analyzes the mind and behavior.
- Sociology: Studies social behavior and groups.
- Economics: Looks at production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Enhances understanding of natural phenomena through investigation and discovery.
Fuels technological advancements that impact daily life.
Informs public policy decisions and promotes informed decision-making.
Aids in problem-solving across multiple disciplines such as health, environment, and engineering.

Theory: A well-supported explanation of aspects of the natural world.
Law: A consistent statement based on repeated observations describing universal aspects.
Hypothesis: A proposed explanation with limited evidence, serving as a starting point for investigation.
Experiment: A procedure designed to test the validity of a hypothesis.

Integrity: Emphasizes honesty in research conduct and reporting.
Responsibility: Accounts for the societal and environmental impacts of research.
Respect for subjects: Advocates for ethical treatment of human and animal subjects in studies.

Interdisciplinary Research: Promotes collaboration among diverse scientific fields.
Citizen Science: Encourages public participation in scientific research initiatives.
Open Science: Supports the movement toward transparency and open sharing of research data and findings.