Introduction to Science

Definition of Science

• Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

Major Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences

   • Study of the natural world.
   • Includes Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Sciences, and Astronomy.

2. Formal Sciences

   • Study of formal systems.
   • Includes Mathematics, Logic, and Computer Science.

3. Social Sciences

   • Study of societies and human behavior.
   • Includes Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, and Economics.

4. Applied Sciences

   • Practical application of scientific knowledge.
   • Includes engineering, health sciences, and technology development.

Scientific Method

1. Observation

   • Identifying phenomena or problems.

2. Question

   • Formulating questions based on observations.

3. Hypothesis

   • Creating a testable statement predicting an outcome.

4. Experimentation

   • Designing and conducting experiments to test the hypothesis.

5. Analysis

   • Evaluating data and results.

6. Conclusion

   • Determining whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted.

7. Reporting

   • Sharing results with the scientific community for peer review.

Key Concepts

• Theory vs. Law

  • Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.
  • Law: A statement based on repeated experimental observations that describe some phenomenon of nature.

• Variables

  • Independent Variable: Changed or controlled to test effects.
  • Dependent Variable: Measured response in the experiment.

• Control Group

  • A group that does not receive the experimental treatment, serving as a benchmark.

• Replication

  • Repeating experiments to validate results and increase reliability.

Importance of Science

• Enhances understanding of the natural world.
• Drives technological and medical advancements.
• Informs public policy and environmental conservation.
• Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Definition of Science

• Science is a systematic process of building and organizing knowledge by using testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences focus on studying the natural world.
  • This includes fields like:
    • Physics
    • Chemistry
    • Biology
    • Earth Sciences
    • Astronomy
• Formal Sciences deal with the study of formal systems.
  • This encompasses:
    • Mathematics
    • Logic
    • Computer Science
• The Social Sciences explore societies and human behavior.
  • Fields of study include:
    • Psychology
    • Sociology
    • Anthropology
    • Economics
• Applied Sciences put scientific knowledge into practical use
  • This involves areas such as:
    • Engineering
    • Health sciences
    • Technology development

Scientific Method

• The scientific method is a structured approach used to investigate and gain knowledge.
  • It involves a series of steps:
    • Observation: Identifying phenomena or problems
    • Question: Formulating questions based on observations
    • Hypothesis: Creating a testable statement predicting an outcome
    • Experimentation: Designing and conducting experiments to test the hypothesis.
    • Analysis: Evaluating data and results.
    • Conclusion: Determining whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted.
    • Reporting: Sharing results with the scientific community for peer review.

Key Concepts

• Theory vs. Law:
  • Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of a natural phenomenon
  • Law: A statement based on repeated observations describing a phenomenon of nature.
• Variables:
  • Independent Variable: The variable altered or controlled to observe its effects.
  • Dependent Variable: The response measured in the experiment.
• Control Group: Used as a benchmark for comparison, this group doesn't receive the experimental treatment.
• Replication: Redoing experiments to confirm results and improve reliability.

Importance of Science

• Science expands our understanding of the natural world.
• It drives advancements in technology and medicine.
• Science informs public policy and environmental conservation efforts.
• It promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.