Introduction to Science Concepts

Study Notes

Definition of Science

Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge.
Based on observation, experimentation, and evidence.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences
- Study of the physical world.
- Includes:
  - Physics: Matter, energy, and their interactions.
  - Chemistry: Composition, structure, properties, and reactions of substances.
  - Biology: Study of living organisms and life processes.
Formal Sciences
- Study of abstract concepts.
- Includes:
  - Mathematics: Numbers, quantities, shapes, and patterns.
  - Logic: Principles of valid reasoning and argumentation.
Social Sciences
- Study of human society and social relationships.
- Includes:
  - Psychology: Study of mind and behavior.
  - Sociology: Study of social behavior and society.
  - Economics: Study of production, distribution, and consumption of goods.
Applied Sciences
- Practical application of scientific knowledge.
- Includes:
  - Engineering: Design and construction of machines and structures.
  - Medicine: Study and practice of health care.

Scientific Method

Observation: Gather data and identify a phenomenon.
Question: Formulate a question based on observations.
Hypothesis: Propose a testable explanation.
Experiment: Conduct experiments to test the hypothesis.
Analysis: Analyze collected data.
Conclusion: Draw conclusions based on data analysis.
Replication: Repeat experiments to verify results.

Importance of Science

Informs decision-making in technology, health, and environment.
Drives innovation and economic growth.
Enhances understanding of natural phenomena and human behavior.

Key Concepts

Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world.
Law: A statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes an aspect of the world.
Variable: Any factor that can change in an experiment.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical guidelines ensure integrity in research and experimentation.
Importance of reproducibility and peer review in scientific research.

Definition of Science

A systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge based on observation, experimentation, and empirical evidence.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences: Focus on the physical world and include:
- Physics: Examines matter, energy, and their interactions.
- Chemistry: Investigates the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of different substances.
- Biology: Studies living organisms and the processes that sustain life.
Formal Sciences: Explore abstract concepts and include:
- Mathematics: Deals with numbers, quantities, shapes, and patterns.
- Logic: Examines principles of valid reasoning and argumentation.
Social Sciences: Analyze human society and social relationships and comprise:
- Psychology: Investigates the mind and behavior.
- Sociology: Studies social behavior and the structure of society.
- Economics: Examines the production, distribution, and consumption of goods.
Applied Sciences: Involves practical applications of scientific knowledge, including:
- Engineering: Focuses on the design and construction of machines and infrastructures.
- Medicine: Pertains to the study and practice of healthcare.

Scientific Method

Observation: Collecting data and identifying phenomena of interest.
Question: Developing questions informed by observations made.
Hypothesis: Formulating a testable explanation based on the question.
Experiment: Implementing experiments to evaluate the hypothesis.
Analysis: Analyzing the data collected to inform conclusions.
Conclusion: Drawing conclusions from data analysis regarding the hypothesis.
Replication: Repeating experiments to confirm findings and ensure reliability.

Importance of Science

Shapes decision-making related to technology, health, and environmental issues.
Fuels innovation, leading to economic advancement.
Deepens the understanding of natural phenomena and human behavior.

Key Concepts

Theory: A thoroughly substantiated explanation of a natural world aspect, grounded in extensive evidence.
Law: A descriptive statement based on repeated experimental observations, outlining consistent relationships in nature.
Variable: Any factor within an experiment that can change or be manipulated.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical guidelines are crucial for maintaining integrity in research and experimentation.
Emphasizes the significance of reproducibility and peer review as fundamental components of scientific credibility.

Description

Explore the fundamental definitions and branches of science through this quiz. Understand the differences between natural, formal, social, and applied sciences, along with their key components. Test your knowledge and discover how diverse and interconnected scientific disciplines are.