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.

This quiz covers the definition of science, its major branches, and the scientific method. Explore key concepts such as natural sciences, formal sciences, social sciences, and applied sciences. Test your understanding of how scientific inquiry is structured and conducted.