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.

Test your knowledge on the Scientific Method, including its steps from observation to reporting. Learn about the significance of theories and laws in science, and how they explain and predict natural phenomena.