Introduction to Science and Its Branches

Definition of Science

• Systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation.
• Aims to understand and explain phenomena.

Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences

   • Focus on the physical world.
   • Includes:
     • Physics: Study of matter and energy.
     • Chemistry: Study of substances and their interactions.
     • Biology: Study of living organisms.

2. Formal Sciences

   • Abstract concepts and logical reasoning.
   • Includes:
     • Mathematics: Study of numbers, quantities, and shapes.
     • Logic: Study of valid reasoning.
     • Statistics: Study of data collection and analysis.

3. Social Sciences

   • Study of human behavior and societies.
   • Includes:
     • Psychology: Study of the mind and behavior.
     • Sociology: Study of societies and social relationships.
     • Economics: Study of production, distribution, and consumption.

Scientific Method

• Process for investigation and discovery:
  1. Observation: Identify a problem or question.
  2. Research: Gather existing information.
  3. Hypothesis: Formulate a testable prediction.
  4. Experiment: Conduct tests to gather data.
  5. Analysis: Evaluate results and determine if hypothesis is supported.
  6. Conclusion: Draw conclusions and share findings.

Key Concepts

• Theory: Well-substantiated explanation based on repeated testing (e.g. Theory of Evolution).
• Law: Statement that describes a consistent natural phenomenon (e.g. Law of Gravity).
• Hypothesis: A tentative explanation that can be tested.

Importance of Science

• Advances knowledge and technology.
• Provides a framework for understanding the natural world.
• Informs decision-making and policy development.
• Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Science and Society

• Influences various sectors like health, environment, and technology.
• Collaborates with ethics to address impacts of scientific developments.
• Encourages public understanding of scientific principles and literacy.

Definition of Science

• Science is a systematic way of studying the natural world using observations and experimentation. Its primary goal is to understand and explain phenomena.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences focus on the physical world, including physics, chemistry, and biology.
  • Physics studies matter and energy.
  • Chemistry examines substances and their interactions.
  • Biology focuses on living organisms.
• Formal Sciences deal with abstract concepts and logical reasoning, including mathematics, logic, and statistics.
  • Mathematics studies numbers, quantities, and shapes.
  • Logic explores valid reasoning.
  • Statistics analyzes data collection and analysis.
• Social Sciences investigate human behavior and societies, including psychology, sociology, and economics.
  • Psychology explores the mind and behavior.
  • Sociology studies societies and social relationships.
  • Economics investigates production, distribution, and consumption.

Scientific Method

• The scientific method is a structured approach to investigation and discovery.
  • Observation: Identify a problem or question.
  • Research: Gather existing information.
  • Hypothesis: Formulate a testable prediction.
  • Experiment: Conduct tests to gather data.
  • Analysis: Evaluate results and determine if the hypothesis is supported.
  • Conclusion: Draw conclusions and share findings.

Key Concepts

• Theory: A well-substantiated explanation based on repeated testing (e.g., Theory of Evolution).
• Law: A statement that describes a consistent natural phenomenon (e.g., Law of Gravity).
• Hypothesis: A tentative explanation that can be tested.

Importance of Science

• Science advances knowledge and technology.
• It provides a framework for understanding the natural world.
• It informs decision-making and policy development.
• Science promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Science and Society

• Science influences various sectors like health, environment, and technology.
• Science collaborates with ethics to address the impacts of scientific developments.
• Science encourages public understanding of scientific principles and literacy.