Introduction to Science Basics

Definition of Science

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

Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences

   • Focus on the physical world.
   • Includes:
     • Physics: Study of matter, energy, and the forces that act upon them.
     • Chemistry: Study of substances, their properties, and reactions.
     • Biology: Study of living organisms and life processes.

2. Formal Sciences

   • Concerned with abstract concepts and structures.
   • Includes:
     • Mathematics: Study of numbers, quantities, shapes, and patterns.
     • Logic: Study of reasoning and argument.

3. Social Sciences

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

4. Applied Sciences

   • Practical application of scientific knowledge.
   • Includes:
     • Engineering: Application of scientific principles to design and build structures, machines, and systems.
     • Medicine: Application of biological and chemical sciences to health and disease.

Scientific Method

• A systematic approach to inquiry.

1. Observation: Identifying a phenomenon.
2. Question: Formulating a question based on observations.
3. Hypothesis: Developing a testable statement or prediction.
4. Experimentation: Testing the hypothesis through controlled experiments.
5. Analysis: Interpreting data and results.
6. Conclusion: Drawing conclusions on the hypothesis based on the analysis.
7. Communication: Sharing results with the scientific community.

Importance of Science

• Drives technological and medical advancements.
• Helps understand natural phenomena and the universe.
• Provides a basis for informed decision-making and policy.

Characteristics of Science

• Empirical: Based on observation and experimentation.
• Testable: Hypotheses must be testable and falsifiable.
• Repeatable: Experiments should yield consistent results if repeated.
• Provisional: Scientific knowledge is subject to change with new evidence.

Common Misconceptions

• Science is not infallible; it evolves with new discoveries.
• Science does not address moral or ethical questions directly; it provides data that can inform these discussions.

Definition of Science

• Science is a systematic enterprise that organizes and builds knowledge through observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences: Explore the physical world and include disciplines such as:
  • Physics: Investigates matter, energy, and the forces acting upon them.
  • Chemistry: Examines substances, their properties, and chemical reactions.
  • Biology: Focuses on living organisms and their life processes.
• Formal Sciences: Deal with abstract concepts and structures, encompassing:
  • Mathematics: Studies numbers, quantities, shapes, and patterns.
  • Logic: Analyzes reasoning and argument structures.
• Social Sciences: Concern the study of human behavior and societies, featuring:
  • Psychology: Explores the mind and behavior.
  • Sociology: Studies social behavior and institutions.
  • Economics: Examines the production, distribution, and consumption of goods.
• Applied Sciences: Emphasize practical applications of scientific knowledge, which include:
  • Engineering: Uses scientific principles for designing and constructing systems, structures, and machines.
  • Medicine: Applies biology and chemistry to health and disease management.

Scientific Method

• A structured approach to inquiry comprising several steps:
  • Observation: Identifying a phenomenon to study.
  • Question: Formulating a relevant question based on observations.
  • Hypothesis: Creating a testable prediction or statement.
  • Experimentation: Conducting controlled experiments to test the hypothesis.
  • Analysis: Interpreting the data and results obtained from experiments.
  • Conclusion: Drawing conclusions about the hypothesis according to the analysis results.
  • Communication: Sharing findings with the scientific community for validation and further work.

Importance of Science

• Drives advancements in technology and medicine.
• Enhances understanding of natural phenomena and the universe.
• Supports informed decision-making and effective policy development.

Characteristics of Science

• Empirical: Relies on observation and experimentation for knowledge.
• Testable: Requires hypotheses to be both testable and falsifiable.
• Repeatable: Demands that experiments produce consistent results under repeated conditions.
• Provisional: Acknowledges that scientific knowledge can change with new evidence and discoveries.

Common Misconceptions

• Science is not infallible; it evolves as new discoveries emerge.
• It does not directly address moral or ethical issues; instead, it provides data to inform those discussions.

Explore the fundamental definitions and branches of science in this quiz. Test your knowledge on natural, formal, social, and applied sciences, including their key components like physics, biology, and psychology. Enhance your understanding of how these branches contribute to the broader domain of scientific knowledge.