Introduction to Science

Definition of Science

• Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge through testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences

   • Focus on the physical world.
   • Examples: Physics, Chemistry, Biology.

2. Social Sciences

   • Study human behavior and societies.
   • Examples: Psychology, Sociology, Economics.

3. Formal Sciences

   • Concerned with abstract concepts.
   • Examples: Mathematics, Logic, Statistics.

4. Applied Sciences

   • Use scientific knowledge for practical applications.
   • Examples: Engineering, Medicine, Environmental Science.

Scientific Method

1. Observation

   • Gather information through the senses.

2. Hypothesis

   • Formulate a testable prediction.

3. Experimentation

   • Design and conduct experiments to test the hypothesis.

4. Data Collection

   • Record observations and results.

5. Analysis

   • Interpret the data to determine whether it supports the hypothesis.

6. Conclusion

   • Draw conclusions and report findings; may lead to further research.

Key Concepts

• Theory vs. Law

  • Theory: Well-tested explanation of phenomena (e.g., Theory of Evolution).
  • Law: Statement based on repeated experimental observations (e.g., Newton’s Laws of Motion).

• Variable Types

  • Independent Variable: Changed or controlled in an experiment.
  • Dependent Variable: Measured outcome affected by the independent variable.
  • Control Variable: Kept constant to ensure a fair test.

• Scientific Notation

  • Method of expressing large or small numbers (e.g., 3.0 × 10^8).

Importance of Science

• Advances technology and medicine.
• Enhances understanding of the universe and our place in it.
• Informs public policy and education.
• Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Definition of Science

• Systematic process for accumulating and organizing knowledge about the universe through testable explanations and predictions.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences

  • Examine the physical world.
  • Includes disciplines such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

• Social Sciences

  • Investigate human behavior and societal structures.
  • Encompasses fields like Psychology, Sociology, and Economics.

• Formal Sciences

  • Focus on abstract concepts and theoretical constructs.
  • Includes areas like Mathematics, Logic, and Statistics.

• Applied Sciences

  • Utilize scientific knowledge for practical applications in real-world scenarios.
  • Examples include Engineering, Medicine, and Environmental Science.

Scientific Method

• Observation

  • Involves collecting information using the five senses.

• Hypothesis

  • A testable prediction that provides a basis for experimentation.

• Experimentation

  • The process of designing and conducting tests to evaluate the hypothesis.

• Data Collection

  • Recording of observations and experimental results systematically.

• Analysis

  • Interpretation of data to assess alignment with the hypothesis.

• Conclusion

  • Summarization of findings which may suggest further research or modifications to the hypothesis.

Key Concepts

• Theory vs. Law

  • Theory: A well-substantiated explanation for phenomena grounded in evidence (example includes the Theory of Evolution).
  • Law: A general statement based on consistent experimental observations (such as Newton’s Laws of Motion).

• Variable Types

  • Independent Variable: The factor manipulated in an experiment.
  • Dependent Variable: The measured outcome influenced by changes to the independent variable.
  • Control Variable: Elements that are kept constant throughout the experiment to ensure fairness.

• Scientific Notation

  • A standardized method for expressing very large or very small numbers, facilitating easier reading and calculations (e.g., 3.0 × 10^8).

Importance of Science

• Drives advancements in technology and medicine, improving quality of life.
• Deepens comprehension of the universe and humanity’s role within it.
• Influences public policy and supports informed decision-making.
• Fosters critical thinking and enhances problem-solving capabilities.