Introduction to Science

Definition of Science

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

Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences

   • Study of the natural world.
   • Includes physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences.

2. Formal Sciences

   • Focus on abstract systems and logic.
   • Includes mathematics, statistics, and computer science.

3. Social Sciences

   • Study human behavior and societies.
   • Includes psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics.

Scientific Method

• A systematic approach to inquiry:
  1. Observation: Gather information and notice phenomena.
  2. Question: Formulate questions based on observations.
  3. Hypothesis: Propose explanations or predictions.
  4. Experimentation: Conduct experiments to test the hypothesis.
  5. Analysis: Analyze data and results.
  6. Conclusion: Draw conclusions based on data; accept or reject hypothesis.
  7. Communication: Share findings with the scientific community.

Importance of Science

• Enhances understanding of the universe.
• Drives technological advancements.
• Informs public policy and health decisions.
• Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Key Concepts in Science

• Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.
• Law: A statement based on repeated experimental observations that describe an aspect of the world.
• Experiment: A controlled procedure to test a hypothesis.
• Data: Collected information/results from experiments.

Ethical Considerations

• Importance of honesty and integrity in research.
• Ethical treatment of human and animal subjects.
• Responsibility to communicate findings accurately and transparently.

Interdisciplinary Nature

• Science often overlaps with technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
• Encourages collaboration across different scientific disciplines for holistic understanding.

Definition of Science

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

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences: Focus on studying the natural world, encompassing fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences.
• Formal Sciences: Concentrate on abstract systems and logic, including disciplines like mathematics, statistics, and computer science.
• Social Sciences: Examine human behavior and societies, involving subjects such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics.

Scientific Method

• A structured approach to scientific inquiry that involves:
  • Observation: Collecting information through noticing phenomena.
  • Question: Formulating questions based on observations made.
  • Hypothesis: Proposing explanations or predictions to clarify phenomena.
  • Experimentation: Conducting experiments to test the validity of the hypothesis.
  • Analysis: Analyzing data and results from experiments.
  • Conclusion: Drawing conclusions based on analyzed data, deciding to accept or reject the hypothesis.
  • Communication: Sharing findings with the scientific community for review and discussion.

Importance of Science

• Science enhances the understanding of the universe and drives advancements in technology.
• It plays a crucial role in informing public policy and health-related decisions.
• Fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills in various contexts.

Key Concepts in Science

• Theory: A comprehensive explanation that is well-supported by evidence regarding aspects of the natural world.
• Law: A statement derived from repeated experimental observations that consistently describe aspects of the universe.
• Experiment: A controlled procedure designed to test specific hypotheses.
• Data: Information and results gathered from scientific experiments.

Ethical Considerations

• Emphasizes the necessity of honesty and integrity in scientific research.
• Mandates the ethical treatment of both human and animal subjects involved in studies.
• Upholds the responsibility to communicate research findings accurately and transparently.

Interdisciplinary Nature

• Science intersects with technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, promoting integrated approaches.
• Encourages collaboration across various scientific disciplines, leading to a more holistic understanding of complex issues.

This quiz explores the definition and branches of science, including the natural, formal, and social sciences. Additionally, it covers the scientific method as a systematic approach to inquiry. Test your understanding of these foundational concepts in science.