Introduction to Science

Definition of Science

• Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge through testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

Key Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences

   • Study of natural phenomena.
   • Major fields: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science.

2. Formal Sciences

   • Study of abstract concepts and systems.
   • Major areas: Mathematics, Logic, Statistics, Computer Science.

3. Social Sciences

   • Study of human behavior and societies.
   • Major fields: Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics.

4. Applied Sciences

   • Practical application of scientific knowledge.
   • Includes Engineering, Medicine, and Technology.

Scientific Method

1. Observation

   • Gather data to understand a phenomenon.

2. Hypothesis

   • Formulate a testable explanation based on observations.

3. Experimentation

   • Conduct experiments to test hypotheses.

4. Analysis

   • Analyze data to draw conclusions.

5. Conclusion

   • Determine whether the hypothesis is supported or rejected.

6. Communication

   • Share findings with the scientific community.

Characteristics of Science

• Empirical Evidence

  • Relies on observation and experimentation.

• Reproducibility

  • Experiments must yield consistent results when replicated.

• Falsifiability

  • Scientific claims must be able to be proven false.

• Predictive Power

  • The ability to make accurate predictions based on theories.

Ethics in Science

• Importance of integrity, transparency, and ethics.
• Issues include data falsification, plagiarism, and ethical treatment of research subjects.

Recent Developments

• Advancements in technology (AI, biotechnology) are transforming research and applications.
• Interdisciplinary approaches are becoming common (e.g., biochemistry, environmental science).

Notable Scientific Theories

• Theory of Evolution: Explains species' adaptations and origins through natural selection.
• Relativity: Albert Einstein's theories on time, space, and gravity.
• Quantum Mechanics: Study of physical phenomena at microscopic scales.

Famous Scientists

• Isaac Newton: Laws of motion and universal gravitation.
• Marie Curie: Pioneered research on radioactivity.
• Charles Darwin: Developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
• Albert Einstein: Introduced theories of relativity.

Definition of Science

• Science is a systematic way of acquiring and organizing knowledge about the universe through testable explanations and predictions.

Key Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences focus on natural phenomena, encompassing fields like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth Science.
• Formal Sciences deal with abstract concepts and systems, including Mathematics, Logic, Statistics, and Computer Science.
• Social Sciences explore human behavior and societies, encompassing fields like Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, and Economics.
• Applied Sciences involve the practical application of scientific knowledge, including Engineering, Medicine, and Technology.

Scientific Method

• The scientific method is a structured approach to investigation, consisting of six key steps:
  • Observation: Gathering data to understand a phenomenon.
  • Hypothesis: Formulating a testable explanation based on observations.
  • Experimentation: Conducting experiments to test hypotheses.
  • Analysis: Analyzing data to draw conclusions.
  • Conclusion: Determining whether the hypothesis is supported or rejected.
  • Communication: Sharing findings with the scientific community.

Characteristics of Science

• Empirical Evidence: Science relies on observations and experimentation to support its claims.
• Reproducibility: Experiments must produce consistent results when repeated by different researchers.
• Falsifiability: Scientific claims must be capable of being proven false through testing.
• Predictive Power: Scientific theories should have the ability to accurately predict future phenomena.

Ethics in Science

• Scientific research requires maintaining integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct.
• Common ethical concerns include data falsification, plagiarism, and the ethical treatment of research subjects.

Recent Developments

• Technological advancements, such as AI and biotechnology, are revolutionizing scientific research and applications.
• Interdisciplinary approaches, combining different scientific disciplines (e.g., biochemistry, environmental science), are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Notable Scientific Theories

• Theory of Evolution: Explains the adaptation and origins of species through natural selection.
• Relativity: Albert Einstein's theories concerning time, space, and gravity.
• Quantum Mechanics: Studies physical phenomena at microscopic scales.

Famous Scientists

• Isaac Newton: Formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation.
• Marie Curie: Pioneered research on radioactivity.
• Charles Darwin: Developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
• Albert Einstein: Introduced theories of relativity.

This quiz explores the definition of science, its key branches, and the scientific method. Delve into the distinctions between natural sciences, formal sciences, social sciences, and applied sciences. Test your knowledge on how scientific inquiry is structured and conducted.