Introduction to the Scientific Method

• Science uses a systematic and organized method to gain insight of the world through observation, experimentation, and analysis.
• Science includes different subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and geology.
• The purpose of science is to find and explain natural events, and to create theories and laws to predict what will happen.
• Science depends on proof, logic, and questioning to build and improve knowledge.

Scientific Method

• The scientific method gains knowledge via. observation, hypothesis creation, experimentation, and analysis.
• Observation involves gathering data about the natural world through the senses or with the aid of instruments.
• A hypothesis is a testable explanation for a phenomenon, often stated as a cause-and-effect relationship.
• Experimentation involves designing and conducting controlled tests to gather evidence that supports or refutes a hypothesis.
• Analysis involves interpreting the results of experiments and drawing conclusions about the validity of the hypothesis.
• The scientific method is iterative, meaning that the results of one experiment can lead to new hypotheses and further investigation.

Branches of Science

• Physics studies matter, energy, and the basic forces of the universe.
• Physics includes mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and quantum mechanics.
• Chemistry focuses on the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter.
• Chemistry studies atoms, molecules, their interactions, and the creation of new materials.
• Biology studies living things, their structure, how they work, how they grow, how they change, and their relationships with their surroundings.
• Biology includes genetics, ecology, physiology, anatomy, and microbiology.
• Astronomy studies space objects like stars, planets, galaxies, and the entire universe.
• Astronomy uses telescopes, satellites, and other tools to observe and study cosmic phenomena.
• Geology studies Earth, its structure, what it is made of, and the processes that have shaped it over time.
• Geology covers plate tectonics, volcanism, erosion, and the creation of rocks and minerals.

Scientific Theories and Laws

• A scientific theory explains something in the natural world with facts, laws, inferences, and tested hypotheses.
• Theories are based on a lot of proof and are confirmed repeatedly through observation and testing.
• A scientific law describes a pattern in nature that is observed regularly.
• Laws are usually expressed with math and are thought to be true everywhere under specific conditions.
• Theories explain why laws exist and offer a bigger picture for understanding what happens in nature.

Measurement and Units

• Measurement assigns a number to a physical amount.
• Units are standard amounts used to express measurements.
• The International System of Units (SI) is the most common system of units used in science.
• SI base units include the meter (m) for length, the kilogram (kg) for mass, the second (s) for time, the ampere (A) for electric current, the kelvin (K) for temperature, the mole (mol) for amount of substance, and the candela (cd) for luminous intensity.
• Derived units combine base units; the newton (N) for force is kg⋅m/s².

Scientific Instruments

• Scientific instruments are tools and devices used to make observations, conduct experiments, and gather data.
• Examples of scientific instruments include microscopes, telescopes, spectroscopes, centrifuges, and particle accelerators.
• Microscopes magnify tiny objects and structures so scientists can study cells, tissues, and microorganisms.
• Telescopes observe far-off space objects like stars, planets, and galaxies.
• Spectroscopes study light and other electromagnetic radiation, giving information about the makeup and characteristics of materials.
• Centrifuges separate substances by density, such as cells from blood or molecules from solutions.
• Particle accelerators speed up subatomic particles to high speeds, letting scientists study the basic building blocks of matter.

Data Analysis and Statistics

• Data analysis organizes, summarizes, and interprets data to find patterns, trends, and relationships.
• Statistics is a math field that collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data.
• Descriptive statistics summarize and describe the main features of a dataset; they use mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and range.
• Inferential statistics are used to make inferences and draw conclusions about a population based on a sample of data.
• Statistical tests determine the significance of differences or relationships between groups or variables.
• Error analysis assesses the accuracy and precision of measurements and calculations.

Scientific Communication

• Scientific communication shares scientific findings and ideas through publications, presentations, and other ways.
• Scientific papers are published in peer-reviewed journals, where experts assess their quality and validity.
• Scientific conferences and meetings let scientists present work, exchange ideas, and connect with colleagues.
• Science communication also informs the public about science to promote understanding and interest.

Ethics in Science

• Ethics in science means acting with honesty, integrity, and responsibility in scientific research.
• Scientists must do research carefully and without bias, and report results accurately.
• Ethical considerations include protecting human subjects and animals in research, and avoiding conflicts of interest.
• Scientific misconduct like fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism breaks ethical standards and has serious consequences.

Impact of Science on Society

• Science has greatly impacted society, advancing medicine, technology, agriculture, and more.
• Scientific discoveries have improved health, increased understanding of nature, and created life-changing technologies.
• Science is key to addressing global issues like climate change, disease, and food security.
• Science can have unintended effects; it is important to consider the ethical and social implications of advances.