Introduction to Science Overview

Definition of Science

• Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge.
• Involves observation, experimentation, and the formulation of laws and theories.

Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences

   • Study of natural phenomena.
   • Includes:
     • Physics: Study of matter, energy, and their interactions.
     • Chemistry: Study of substances and their transformations.
     • Biology: Study of living organisms and life processes.

2. Formal Sciences

   • Study of abstract concepts and systems.
   • Includes:
     • Mathematics: The study of numbers, quantities, and shapes.
     • Logic: The study of reasoning and argument structure.
     • Computer Science: Study of computation and information processing.

3. Social Sciences

   • Study of human behavior and societies.
   • Includes:
     • Psychology: Study of the mind and behavior.
     • Sociology: Study of social behavior and society.
     • Economics: Study of production, distribution, and consumption of goods.

Scientific Method

• A systematic approach to inquiry:
  1. Observation: Gathering information and noticing phenomena.
  2. Question: Identifying a problem or a question to be answered.
  3. Hypothesis: Formulating a testable prediction.
  4. Experimentation: Designing and conducting experiments to test the hypothesis.
  5. Analysis: Interpreting data collected from experiments.
  6. Conclusion: Drawing conclusions based on analysis.
  7. Communication: Sharing findings with the scientific community.

Characteristics of Science

• Empirical: Based on observation and experimentation.
• Repeatable: Experiments and results should be reproducible.
• Falsifiable: Hypotheses must be testable and disprovable.
• Objective: Minimizes bias and personal influence.
• Progressive: Builds upon existing knowledge and theories.

Importance of Science

• Advances technology and medicine.
• Enhances understanding of the natural world.
• Informs policy and decision-making.
• Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Definition of Science

• Systematic enterprise focused on building and organizing knowledge.
• Relies on observation, experimentation, and the development of laws and theories.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences: Examine natural phenomena.

  • Physics: Investigates matter, energy, and their interactions.
  • Chemistry: Analyzes substances and their reactions.
  • Biology: Explores living organisms and their processes.

• Formal Sciences: Address abstract concepts and structures.

  • Mathematics: Concerns numbers, quantities, and shapes.
  • Logic: Studies reasoning and the structure of arguments.
  • Computer Science: Focuses on computation and information processing.

• Social Sciences: Analyze human behavior and societies.

  • Psychology: Examines the mind and behavior.
  • Sociology: Investigates social behavior and societal structures.
  • Economics: Studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods.

Scientific Method

• A structured approach for inquiry:
  • Observation: Collecting information and noticing phenomena.
  • Question: Identifying problems or questions needing answers.
  • Hypothesis: Crafting testable predictions.
  • Experimentation: Designing and executing experiments to evaluate hypotheses.
  • Analysis: Interpreting data from experiments.
  • Conclusion: Drawing insights based on the analysis.
  • Communication: Disseminating findings to the scientific community.

Characteristics of Science

• Empirical: Grounded in observation and experimental evidence.
• Repeatable: Results must be reproducible under similar conditions.
• Falsifiable: Hypotheses should be testable and capable of being disproven.
• Objective: Minimizes biases and personal influences in research.
• Progressive: Builds upon existing knowledge and theories, evolving over time.

Importance of Science

• Drives advancements in technology and medicine.
• Deepens understanding of the natural world and its processes.
• Aids in informed policy-making and decision processes.
• Fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.