Introduction to Science

Definition of Science

• Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge.
• Involves the formulation and testing of hypotheses.

Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences

   • Focus on the natural world.
   • Includes Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science.

2. Formal Sciences

   • Study abstract concepts.
   • Includes Mathematics, Logic, Statistics.

3. Social Sciences

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

4. Applied Sciences

   • Practical application of scientific knowledge.
   • Includes Engineering, Medicine, Environmental Science.

Scientific Method

1. Observation - Gathering data through senses or instruments.
2. Question - Formulating a question based on observations.
3. Hypothesis - Proposing a testable explanation.
4. Experimentation - Conducting experiments to test the hypothesis.
5. Analysis - Interpreting the results of the experiments.
6. Conclusion - Drawing conclusions; hypothesis supported or refuted.
7. Replication - Repeating experiments to verify results.

Key Concepts

• Theory - A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.
• Law - A statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes an aspect of the world.
• Variable - Any factor that can change in an experiment.
  • Independent Variable - Changed by the experimenter.
  • Dependent Variable - Measured during the experiment.

Importance of Science

• Enhances understanding of the universe.
• Drives technological advancement.
• Informs policy and decision-making.
• Addresses societal challenges (e.g., health, environment).

Interdisciplinary Nature

• Science often overlaps between branches (e.g., Biochemistry merges Biology and Chemistry).
• Collaboration among disciplines fosters innovation.

Definition of Science

• A systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge about the natural world.
• Involves the formulation and rigorous testing of hypotheses to validate or challenge scientific understanding.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences: Investigate phenomena in the natural world, encompassing fields such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth Science.
• Formal Sciences: Concerned with abstract concepts and theories; includes Mathematics, Logic, and Statistics.
• Social Sciences: Explore human behavior and societal structures, covering disciplines like Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, and Economics.
• Applied Sciences: Aim to apply scientific knowledge for practical applications in areas such as Engineering, Medicine, and Environmental Science.

Scientific Method

• Observation: Involves collecting data through direct sensory experience or with instruments.
• Question: Developing inquiries based on initial observations.
• Hypothesis: Proposing a testable explanation for the observations.
• Experimentation: Designing and conducting experiments to evaluate the hypothesis.
• Analysis: Interpreting experimental results to draw insights.
• Conclusion: Determining if the hypothesis is supported or refuted by the results.
• Replication: Repeating experiments to ensure reliability and validity of findings.

Key Concepts

• Theory: A comprehensive explanation, well-supported by evidence, concerning specific aspects of the natural world.
• Law: A consistent statement derived from repeated experiments that describes particular natural phenomena.
• Variable: Any factor that can change within an experiment, influencing outcomes.
• Independent Variable: The factor that the experimenter manipulates intentionally.
• Dependent Variable: The factor measured during the experiment to assess the impact of changes to the independent variable.

Importance of Science

• Enhances comprehensions of the universe, contributing to more informed perspectives on life and existence.
• Fuels technological advancements that can improve quality of life and efficiency.
• Influences policy and decision-making processes across various fields.
• Addresses significant societal challenges such as health crises and environmental issues.

Interdisciplinary Nature

• Science is inherently interconnected; branches often overlap, exemplified by Biochemistry which integrates Biology and Chemistry.
• Collaborative efforts across disciplines stimulate innovation and lead to new discoveries.

Explore the fundamental concepts of science in this quiz, including its definition, various branches, and the scientific method. Test your knowledge on natural sciences, formal sciences, social sciences, and applied sciences while understanding the systematic process of scientific inquiry.