Introduction to Science and Its Branches

Physical Sciences
- Physics: Study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature.
- Chemistry: Study of substances, their properties, and reactions.
- Earth Science: Study of the Earth and its processes (geology, meteorology, oceanography).
Life Sciences
- Biology: Study of living organisms, their structure, function, growth, and evolution.
- Ecology: Study of interactions among organisms and their environment.
- Genetics: Study of heredity and variation in organisms.
Formal Sciences
- Mathematics: Study of numbers, quantities, shapes, and abstract concepts.
- Logic: Study of reasoning and argument principles.
- Computer Science: Study of algorithmic processes and computational systems.
Applied Sciences
- Focus on using scientific knowledge to develop technologies and solve practical problems.
- Examples include engineering, medicine, and environmental science.

Observation: Noticing and describing phenomena.
Question: Formulating a question based on observations.
Hypothesis: Proposing a testable explanation.
Experimentation: Testing the hypothesis through controlled experimentation.
Analysis: Interpreting data and drawing conclusions.
Conclusion: Confirming or refuting the hypothesis; may lead to further testing.

Theory: Well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world.
Law: Statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes an inherent relationship.
Peer Review: Process of evaluating scientific work by others in the field, ensuring validity and credibility.

Science is a systematic and organized way of gathering and analyzing information about the natural world.
It involves a process of observation, experimentation, and theoretical explanation.

Physical Sciences focus on the fundamental laws governing matter and energy.
- Physics investigates the nature of matter, energy, and the forces that guide their behavior.
- Chemistry explores the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of substances.
- Earth Science encompasses the study of the Earth, including geology, meteorology, and oceanography.
Life Sciences investigate living organisms.
- Biology studies the structure, function, growth, and evolution of life forms.
- Ecology examines the interactions between organisms and their environment.
- Genetics explores the mechanisms of heredity and variation in organisms.
Formal Sciences deal with abstract concepts.
- Mathematics explores the principles of numbers, quantities, shapes, and abstract systems.
- Logic examines the principles of reasoning and argumentation.
- Computer Science investigates algorithmic processes and computational systems.
Applied Sciences utilize scientific knowledge to solve practical problems and develop technologies.
- Examples include engineering, medicine, and environmental science.

Science advances knowledge and understanding about the universe.
It drives technological innovations, leading to improvements in quality of life.
It informs public policy decisions, addressing societal challenges such as health and the environment.

Theory: a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world supported by substantial evidence.
Law: a statement based on repeated, reliable observations that describes an inherent relationship between variables.
Peer Review: A system where scientific work is evaluated by other experts in the field to ensure validity and credibility.

Integrity and honesty are crucial in scientific research.
Research involving human and animal subjects must be conducted ethically.
Scientists are responsible for communicating their findings accurately and transparently.

Scientific literacy is the ability to understand, evaluate, and engage with scientific information.
It is essential for informed decision-making in a rapidly changing world.