Introduction to Science

Topic Subtitle

• Science is a systematic process for building and organizing knowledge about the universe.
• It uses testable explanations and predictions to understand the natural world.
• Observation, experimentation, and the development of testable hypotheses are crucial aspects of this process.

Branches of Science

• Physical Science: Examines matter, energy, and governing forces (physics, chemistry, astronomy).
• Biological Science: Focuses on life and living organisms (biology, genetics, ecology).
• Earth Science: Studies Earth's composition, structure, processes, and history (geology, meteorology, oceanography).

Scientific Method

• A systematic way to gain knowledge.
• Observation: Identifying a phenomenon.
• Questioning: Formulating a specific question about the observation.
• Hypothesis: A tentative explanation or prediction.
• Experimentation: Testing the hypothesis through controlled experiments.
• Data Analysis: Evaluating experimental results to see if the hypothesis is supported or refuted.
• Conclusion: Drawing a conclusion based on the results and evaluating whether the hypothesis is acceptable.

Scientific Laws and Theories

• Scientific laws: Concise descriptions of patterns in nature (e.g., Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation).
• Scientific theories: Well-supported explanations of natural phenomena based on ample evidence (e.g., theory of evolution, theory of plate tectonics).
• Theories are not static; they are refined and updated as new evidence emerges.

Characteristics of Science

• Objectivity: Scientists aim to be unbiased in their work.
• Repeatability: Experiments and observations should be reproducible by others to strengthen validity.
• Falsifiability: A hypothesis or theory must be capable of being proven wrong through evidence.
• Skepticism: Scientists critically evaluate evidence to avoid bias.
• Peer Review: Scientists share their work with peers who assess its validity and accuracy.

Limitations of Science

• Testability: Science focuses on observable and measurable phenomena.
• Natural Explanations: Science uses natural explanations to explain natural occurrences.
• Incomplete Knowledge: Scientific understanding is constantly evolving.

Scientific Research Skills

• Critical Thinking: Evaluating information, identifying biases, and forming rational judgements.
• Data Analysis: Organizing, interpreting, and applying quantitative and qualitative data.
• Problem Solving: Applying systematic methods to address questions.