Science: The Scientific Method and Theories

Subtopic 7: The Scientific Method

• Definition: A systematic process for conducting research and experiments.
• Steps:
  1. Observation: Identifying a phenomenon or problem.
  2. Question: Formulating a question based on observations.
  3. Hypothesis: Proposing a testable explanation.
  4. Experiment: Designing and conducting an experiment to test the hypothesis.
  5. Analysis: Collecting and analyzing data from the experiment.
  6. Conclusion: Drawing conclusions based on the data.
  7. Reporting: Sharing findings for peer review.
• Importance: Helps ensure research is objective and reproducible.

Subtopic 8: Theories and Laws

• Theory:
  • A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world.
  • Based on a body of evidence and can change with new evidence.
  • Examples: Theory of Evolution, Theory of Relativity.
• Law:
  • A statement that describes a consistent relationship observed in nature.
  • Generally accepted as universally true, often expressed mathematically.
  • Examples: Newton's Laws of Motion, Law of Conservation of Mass.
• Difference:
  • Theories explain why phenomena occur; laws describe how they occur.

Subtopic 9: Branches of Science

• Physical Sciences: Study of non-living systems.
  • Includes physics, chemistry, astronomy, and Earth sciences.
• Life Sciences: Focus on living organisms and life processes.
  • Includes biology, ecology, genetics, and zoology.
• Formal Sciences: Abstract concepts and structures.
  • Includes mathematics, logic, statistics, and computer science.
• Social Sciences: Study of human behavior and societies.
  • Includes psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics.
• Interdisciplinary Sciences: Combines multiple branches for comprehensive study.
  • Examples include biochemistry, environmental science, and neuroscience.

The Scientific Method

• A systematic process for conducting research and experiments
• Involves a series of steps: observation, questioning, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, data analysis, conclusion, and reporting.
• Ensures research is objective and repeatable.

Theories and Laws

• Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of natural phenomena based on a body of evidence. Theories are subject to change with new evidence.

• Examples: Theory of Evolution, Theory of Relativity.

• Law: A statement that describes consistent relationships observed in nature, often expressed mathematically. Generally accepted as universally true.

• Examples: Newton's Laws of Motion, Law of Conservation of Mass.

• Difference: Theories explain why phenomena occur, while laws describe how they occur.

Branches of Science

• Physical Sciences: Study of non-living systems such as physics, chemistry, astronomy, and Earth sciences.
• Life Sciences: Focus on living organisms and life processes, including biology, ecology, genetics, and zoology.
• Formal Sciences: Deal with abstract concepts and structures, including mathematics, logic, statistics, and computer science.
• Social Sciences: Study of human behavior and societies, encompassing psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics.
• Interdisciplinary Sciences: Combine multiple branches of science for comprehensive study. Examples include biochemistry, environmental science, and neuroscience.