Introduction to Science

Introduction to Science

• "Scientia," Latin for knowledge, is the origin of the term science, which pursues the truths of the natural world.
• Science is a global endeavor involving participation from diverse cultures and societies.
• It is an ongoing process, subject to change as new evidence emerges, overthrowing previously accepted facts.

Goals of Science

• Describe: Scientists make careful observations and record data to explain phenomena.
• Predict: Regular observations allow for predictions about future events, exemplified by Newton's law that everything that goes up must come down due to gravity.
• Explain: Scientists analyze observations to establish causal relationships and create theoretical models of reality.

Branches of Science

• Science is broadly divided into two major fields: Natural Science and Social Science.

Natural Science

• Focuses on the study of the universe and the physical world, comprising three main branches:
  • Biological Science: Studies living organisms, their life cycles, adaptations, and interactions with the environment. Subfields include:
    • Botany: Focuses on plant structures, properties, and processes.
    • Zoology: Covers the study of the animal kingdom, from microorganisms to large mammals.
    • Ecology: Examines the interactions between organisms and their environment.
  • Physical Science: Concerns non-living entities. Main branches:
    • Physics: Studies principles governing motion, force, energy, and physical properties.
    • Chemistry: Focuses on matter’s properties, behaviors, and compositions.
  • Earth Science: Studies the Earth and space systems. Subfields include:
    • Geology: Investigates Earth’s composition, structure, and processes.
    • Meteorology: Examines weather patterns and atmospheric conditions.
    • Astronomy: Studies celestial bodies and phenomena beyond Earth.

Social Science

• Investigates social, cultural, economic, psychological, and political influences on human behavior, with key branches:
  • Psychology: Analyzes human mind and behavior across various contexts, from individual development to societal actions.
  • Sociology: Studies society, social interactions, and structural relationships from small groups to larger communities.
  • Political Science: Explores governmental structures and political actions, enhancing understanding of political phenomena.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on continuous exploration and understanding of scientific principles and methodologies.
• Encouragement to engage with instructors for further clarification and inquiries.

Introduction to Science

• "Scientia," the Latin root for science, translates to knowledge and emphasizes the quest for truths in the natural world.
• Science is a collective pursuit that encompasses contributions from a diverse range of cultures and societies.
• It is characterized by an evolving nature, adapting as new evidence challenges established concepts.

Goals of Science

• Description: Involves meticulous observations and data collection to clarify phenomena.
• Prediction: Based on regular observations, scientists can forecast future occurrences, exemplified by Newton's law regarding the behavior of objects under gravity.
• Explanation: Scientists analyze data to identify causal relationships and construct theoretical models of reality.

Branches of Science

• Science is primarily categorized into two fields: Natural Science and Social Science.

Natural Science

• Focuses on understanding the universe and the physical world through three main branches:
  • Biological Science: Examines living organisms, their life cycles, adaptations, and environmental interactions.
    • Botany: Studies plant structures, properties, and biological processes.
    • Zoology: Investigates all members of the animal kingdom, from tiny microbes to large mammals.
    • Ecology: Analyzes relationships between organisms and their environments.
  • Physical Science: Explores non-living entities, consisting of:
    • Physics: Discusses the principles of motion, force, energy, and various physical properties.
    • Chemistry: Focuses on matter's properties, behaviors, and compositions.
  • Earth Science: Investigates Earth and its space systems, including subfields like:
    • Geology: Analyzes Earth's composition, structure, and dynamic processes.
    • Meteorology: Studies atmospheric conditions and weather patterns.
    • Astronomy: Explores celestial bodies and phenomena beyond Earth.

Social Science

• Concentrates on understanding the social, cultural, economic, psychological, and political influences on human behavior, with crucial branches:
  • Psychology: Investigates the human mind and behavior in various contexts, from personal development to societal influences.
  • Sociology: Examines society, social interactions, and the structure of relationships, ranging from small communities to larger societal frameworks.
  • Political Science: Analyzes governmental systems and political actions, aiming to enhance comprehension of political dynamics.

Conclusion

• Highlights the importance of continuous exploration and comprehension of scientific principles and methodologies.
• Encourages students to engage with instructors for deeper understanding and clarification.

Explore the fundamentals of science, including its definition, goals, and branches. This quiz covers the nature of scientific inquiry and the distinction between natural and social sciences. Dive into the world of knowledge and discover how science shapes our understanding of the universe.