Introduction to Science and Its Branches

Definition of Science

• Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge.
• Involves observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences

   • Study of natural phenomena.
   • Includes Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth Sciences.

2. Formal Sciences

   • Study of abstract concepts.
   • Includes Mathematics, Logic, and Statistics.

3. Social Sciences

   • Study of human behavior and societies.
   • Includes Psychology, Sociology, Economics, and Political Science.

4. Applied Sciences

   • Practical application of scientific knowledge.
   • Includes Engineering, Medicine, and Technology.

Scientific Method

1. Observation

   • Gather data through senses or instruments.

2. Hypothesis

   • Formulate a testable statement or prediction.

3. Experimentation

   • Design and conduct experiments to test the hypothesis.

4. Analysis

   • Analyze data to draw conclusions.

5. Conclusion

   • Confirm or refute the hypothesis based on experimental results.

6. Communication

   • Share findings through publications or presentations.

Key Concepts

• Theory

  • Well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.

• Law

  • Statement based on repeated experimental observations that describe an aspect of the universe.

• Peer Review

  • Process by which scientific work is evaluated by experts in the field before publication.

Importance of Science

• Advances technology and medicine.
• Addresses global challenges (climate change, health crises).
• Enhances understanding of natural phenomena.
• Informs policy and decision-making.

Scientific Literacy

• Ability to understand scientific concepts and engage in scientific discourse.
• Critical for informed citizenship in a technology-driven world.

Definition of Science

• A systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge through observation and experimentation.
• Involves the analysis of data to further understanding of the natural world.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences

  • Focus on the study of natural phenomena.
  • Key fields include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth Sciences.

• Formal Sciences

  • Concerned with the study of abstract concepts.
  • Comprises disciplines such as Mathematics, Logic, and Statistics.

• Social Sciences

  • Explore human behavior and societal dynamics.
  • Encompasses areas like Psychology, Sociology, Economics, and Political Science.

• Applied Sciences

  • Involve practical applications of scientific knowledge.
  • Includes fields such as Engineering, Medicine, and Technology.

Scientific Method

• Observation

  • Data is gathered using senses or scientific instruments.

• Hypothesis

  • A testable prediction is formulated based on initial observations.

• Experimentation

  • Experiments are designed and conducted to test the validity of the hypothesis.

• Analysis

  • Data collected from experiments are scrutinized to draw meaningful conclusions.

• Conclusion

  • Hypotheses are confirmed or refuted based on experimental outcomes.

• Communication

  • Findings are shared with the broader community through publications and presentations.

Key Concepts

• Theory

  • A robust and well-supported explanation of an aspect of the natural world, built through extensive research.

• Law

  • A concise statement that summarizes consistent, repeated experimental results, describing a universal aspect of nature.

• Peer Review

  • A critical evaluation process where scientific work is assessed by experts in the field prior to publication.

Importance of Science

• Drives advancements in technology and medicine, improving quality of life.
• Addresses pressing global challenges, such as climate change and health crises.
• Deepens our understanding of natural phenomena, promoting informed decision-making.
• Provides evidence-based insights that inform public policy.

Scientific Literacy

• Refers to the capability to comprehend scientific concepts and engage in science-related discussions.
• Essential for responsible and informed citizenship in an increasingly technology-oriented society.