Introduction to Science

Definition of Science

• Systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation.
• Based on empirical evidence and logical reasoning.

Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences
   • Study of the natural world.
   • Subdivisions:
     • Physics: Study of matter and energy.
     • Chemistry: Study of substances and their interactions.
     • Biology: Study of living organisms.
2. Formal Sciences
   • Study of abstract concepts.
   • Includes mathematics and logic.
3. Social Sciences
   • Study of human behavior and societies.
   • Includes psychology, sociology, and economics.

Scientific Method

1. Observation: Gathering information about the world.
2. Question: Formulating questions based on observations.
3. Hypothesis: Making informed predictions.
4. Experimentation: Testing hypotheses through experiments.
5. Analysis: Evaluating data collected from experiments.
6. Conclusion: Drawing conclusions based on data and findings.
7. Reporting: Sharing results with the scientific community.

Importance of Science

• Advances knowledge and technology.
• Provides solutions to real-world problems.
• Promotes critical thinking and innovation.
• Underpins evidence-based decision-making.

Key Concepts

• Theory: Well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world.
• Law: Descriptive generalization about how things behave under certain conditions.
• Variables: Components that can change in an experiment (independent, dependent, and controlled variables).

Ethical Considerations

• Safety and welfare of human and animal subjects.
• Honesty in reporting results.
• Environmental responsibility.

Current Trends in Science

• Interdisciplinary research (combining fields).
• Emphasis on sustainability and environmental science.
• Advancements in technology (AI, biotechnology).
• Citizen science and public engagement in scientific research.

Definition of Science

• The systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation.
• Relies on empirical evidence and logical reasoning.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences: Study of the natural world.
  • Physics: Explores matter and energy.
  • Chemistry: Investigates substances and their interactions.
  • Biology: Studies living organisms.
• Formal Sciences: Focus on abstract concepts like mathematics and logic.
• Social Sciences: Examine human behavior and societies.
  • Includes psychology, sociology, and economics.

Scientific Method

• Observation: The process of gathering information about the world.
• Question: Formulating questions based on observations.
• Hypothesis: Making informed predictions about the outcome of experiments.
• Experimentation: Testing hypotheses with carefully designed experiments.
• Analysis: Evaluating data collected from experiments.
• Conclusion: Drawing conclusions based on data and findings.
• Reporting: Sharing research results and findings with the scientific community.

Importance of Science

• Drives advancements in knowledge and technology.
• Offers solutions to real-world problems.
• Encourages critical thinking and innovation.
• Underpins evidence-based decision-making.

Key Concepts

• Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of a natural phenomenon.
• Law: A descriptive generalization that explains how things behave under specific conditions.
• Variables: Factors that change in an experiment.
  • Independent Variables: Factors manipulated by the researcher.
  • Dependent Variables: Factors measured during the experiment.
  • Controlled Variables: Factors kept constant to ensure a fair test.

Ethical Considerations

• The safety and welfare of human and animal subjects are paramount in research.
• Honesty in reporting research results is essential.
• Scientists have a responsibility to consider the environmental impact of their research.

Current Trends in Science

• Interdisciplinary research: Combining diverse fields to address complex issues.
• Sustainability and environmental science: Emphasizing solutions to environmental challenges.
• Advancements in technology: Utilizing AI, biotechnology, and other cutting-edge technologies.
• Citizen science and public engagement: Increasing public participation in scientific research.

This quiz covers the fundamental definitions and branches of science, including natural, formal, and social sciences. It also explores the scientific method and its various steps, from observation to conclusion. Test your knowledge of what science entails and how it's structured.