Understanding Science Basics

Definition of Science

• Systematic enterprise of gathering knowledge.
• Involves observation, experimentation, and analysis.
• Aims to understand the natural world.

Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences

   • Focus on the study of the natural world.
   • Examples: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science.

2. Formal Sciences

   • Concerned with abstract concepts and logical systems.
   • Examples: Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science.

3. Social Sciences

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

Scientific Method

1. Observation

   • Gathering data through senses.

2. Question

   • Formulating a question based on observations.

3. Hypothesis

   • Proposing a testable explanation.

4. Experimentation

   • Conducting experiments to test the hypothesis.

5. Analysis

   • Interpreting data to determine if it supports or refutes the hypothesis.

6. Conclusion

   • Drawing conclusions and communicating results.

Key Concepts in Science

• Theory: A well-substantiated explanation based on a body of evidence.
• Law: A statement that describes a consistently observed phenomenon.
• Variable: Factors that can change in an experiment (independent, dependent, control).
• Peer Review: Process of evaluating scientific work by others in the field.

Importance of Science

• Advances technology and medicine.
• Informs policy and decision-making.
• Enhances understanding of the universe and human condition.
• Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Definition of Science

• Science is a systematic approach to gathering knowledge through methodologies.
• It involves observation, experimentation, and analysis to explore the natural world.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences: Study of the physical world, including subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science.
• Formal Sciences: Focus on abstract concepts and logical reasoning, with disciplines like Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science.
• Social Sciences: Examine human behavior and societies, encompassing fields such as Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, and Economics.

Scientific Method

• Observation: Involves collecting data through sensory experiences.
• Question: Development of inquiries based on observations made.
• Hypothesis: A proposed explanation that can be tested through experimentation.
• Experimentation: Conducting tests to assess the validity of the hypothesis.
• Analysis: Interpreting experimental data to determine if it supports or contradicts the hypothesis.
• Conclusion: Summarizing findings and sharing results with the scientific community.

Key Concepts in Science

• Theory: A comprehensive explanation supported by substantial empirical evidence.
• Law: A statement that consistently describes a particular phenomenon observed in nature.
• Variable: Elements in experiments that can change, categorized as independent, dependent, and control variables.
• Peer Review: A critical assessment process of scientific work by fellow researchers to ensure quality and credibility.

Importance of Science

• Contributes to advancements in technology and medicine.
• Provides a framework for informed policy-making and decision processes.
• Deepens understanding of the universe and human existence.
• Encourages critical thinking and effective problem-solving capabilities.