Introduction to Science and Scientific Method

Natural Sciences: Study of natural phenomena.
- Physics: Study of matter, energy, and forces.
- Chemistry: Study of substances and chemical reactions.
- Biology: Study of living organisms.
Social Sciences: Study of human behavior and societies.
- Psychology: Study of the mind and behavior.
- Sociology: Study of social relationships and structures.
Formal Sciences: Study of abstract concepts.
- Mathematics: Study of numbers and spatial relations.
- Logic: Study of reasoning.

Theory: Well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world.
Law: A statement based on repeated experiments or observations that describes an aspect of the universe.
Variable: A factor that can change in an experiment (independent, dependent, controlled).

Ethical considerations in research (e.g., human and animal rights).
The role of science in addressing global challenges (e.g., climate change, health crises).

Increased reliance on data and computational science.
Emphasis on reproducibility and transparency in research.
Growth of citizen science initiatives and public engagement in scientific research.

Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis.

The scientific method involves a series of steps used to investigate and understand the natural world.
This method is the foundation of scientific inquiry, and it helps ensure that scientific findings are reliable and reproducible.
It includes observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, analysis, conclusion, and communication of results.

Science has many branches, each focusing on a specific aspect of the world.
Natural sciences explore the natural world, encompassing physics, chemistry, and biology.
Social sciences study human behavior and societies, including psychology and sociology.
Formal sciences deal with abstract concepts, including mathematics and logic.

A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world, based on a large body of evidence.
A scientific law is a statement based on repeated experiments or observations that describes a consistent relationship in the universe.
A variable is a factor that can change in an experiment. There are independent variables (manipulated by the experimenter), dependent variables (measured in response to changes in the independent variable), and controlled variables (kept constant).

Science expands our understanding of the natural world, providing valuable insights into how things work.
It drives technological advancements and innovation, leading to new discoveries and improvements in various fields.
Science informs public policy and health decisions, providing evidence-based guidance for addressing societal challenges.
Science encourages critical thinking and skepticism, promoting a questioning and analytical approach to understanding the world.

Science is often interdisciplinary, bringing together different fields to address complex questions.
Biochemistry combines biology and chemistry, geophysics blends geology and physics, demonstrating the interconnectedness of scientific disciplines.
Collaboration between scientists from different backgrounds enriches research and leads to more comprehensive understanding.

Science raises ethical considerations regarding research practices, particularly when involving humans and animals.
It plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges, providing insights and solutions for issues like climate change and health crises.

Data and computational science are becoming increasingly important in modern research, enabling scientists to analyze large datasets and generate new insights.
There's a growing emphasis on reproducibility and transparency in scientific research, ensuring that findings are reliable and can be validated by other researchers.
Citizen science initiatives are fostering public engagement in scientific research, creating opportunities for non-scientists to contribute to scientific projects.