Introduction to Science and Its Branches

Definition of Science

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

Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences

   • Study of natural phenomena.
   • Subfields: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Sciences.

2. Social Sciences

   • Study of human behavior and societies.
   • Subfields: Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics.

3. Formal Sciences

   • Study of abstract concepts.
   • Includes Mathematics, Logic, Computer Science.

4. Applied Sciences

   • Practical application of scientific knowledge.
   • Includes Engineering, Medicine, Environmental Science.

Scientific Method

1. Observation: Gathering data through senses.
2. Question: Formulating questions based on observations.
3. Hypothesis: Proposing a testable explanation.
4. Experiment: Conducting tests to validate or invalidate the hypothesis.
5. Analysis: Interpreting data and results.
6. Conclusion: Determining whether the hypothesis is supported or rejected.
7. Communication: Sharing results with the scientific community.

Key Concepts

• Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world based on a body of evidence.
• Law: A statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes some aspects of the universe.
• Variable: Any factor that can change in an experiment (Independent, Dependent, Controlled).
• Control Group: The group that does not receive the experimental treatment, used for comparison.

Importance of Science

• Enhances understanding of the natural world.
• Drives technological and medical advancements.
• Informs policy decisions and contributes to societal progress.
• Encourages critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.

Ethical Considerations

• Responsible conduct of research.
• Integrity in reporting results.
• Consideration of the impact on society and the environment.

Definition of Science

• Systematic method for building and organizing knowledge through testable explanations and predictions.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences: Investigate phenomena in the natural world, encompassing fields like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth Sciences.
• Social Sciences: Explore human behavior and societal structures, with subfields including Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, and Economics.
• Formal Sciences: Focus on abstract concepts, incorporating disciplines such as Mathematics, Logic, and Computer Science.
• Applied Sciences: Utilizes scientific knowledge for practical applications, covering areas like Engineering, Medicine, and Environmental Science.

Scientific Method

• Observation: Collection of data using sensory perception.
• Question: Development of inquiries based on observations.
• Hypothesis: Creation of a testable prediction.
• Experiment: Execution of tests aimed at confirming or refuting the hypothesis.
• Analysis: Examination and interpretation of data and test results.
• Conclusion: Assessment of whether the hypothesis is supported or rejected.
• Communication: Dissemination of findings to the scientific community for further evaluation.

Key Concepts

• Theory: Comprehensive explanation of a natural world aspect grounded in substantial evidence.
• Law: Descriptive statement derived from consistent experimental observations about universal properties.
• Variable: Element that can vary in experiments, classified as Independent, Dependent, or Controlled.
• Control Group: The baseline group that does not receive the experimental treatment, serving as a comparison.

Importance of Science

• Advances understanding of natural phenomena and processes.
• Fuels technological innovations and medical breakthroughs.
• Informs public policy and supports societal enhancement.
• Fosters critical thinking skills and evidence-led reasoning.

Ethical Considerations

• Mandates responsible research practices and integrity in reporting findings.
• Encourages deliberation regarding the societal and environmental implications of scientific work.

This quiz covers the fundamental definition of science and its various branches including natural sciences, social sciences, formal sciences, and applied sciences. Additionally, it explores the scientific method, providing insights into the systematic approach to knowledge. Test your understanding of these essential concepts in science.