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Introduction To Science Question

The document outlines a course titled 'Introduction to Science and the Scientific Method,' covering key concepts such as the definition of science, the evolution of the scientific method, and its modern application. It details various branches of science, including natural, formal, applied, and earth sciences, along with major themes and experiments in physics, chemistry, and biology. The course emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence, reproducibility, and the interdisciplinary nature of scientific practice.

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37 views4 pages

Introduction To Science Question

The document outlines a course titled 'Introduction to Science and the Scientific Method,' covering key concepts such as the definition of science, the evolution of the scientific method, and its modern application. It details various branches of science, including natural, formal, applied, and earth sciences, along with major themes and experiments in physics, chemistry, and biology. The course emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence, reproducibility, and the interdisciplinary nature of scientific practice.

Uploaded by

yk3854697
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

1

Course Title: Introduction to Science and the Scientific


Method

Week 1: Overview of Science and the Scientific Method

Topics:

 What is science?
o Definition: A systematic way of understanding the natural world through
observation and experimentation.
o Distinguishing science from pseudoscience or belief systems.
 What qualifies as science?
o Empirical evidence
o Reproducibility
o Testability and falsifiability
 Why does science matter?
o Solving real-world problems
o Innovation and technology
o Understanding our place in the universe
 Who practices science?
o Scientists, engineers, students, and citizen scientists
o Interdisciplinary nature: physicists, biologists, chemists, etc.

Key Terminology:

 Fact: An observation that has been repeatedly confirmed.


 Hypothesis: A testable explanation for a phenomenon.
 Theory: A well-substantiated explanation based on a body of evidence.
 Law: A descriptive generalization about how some aspect of the natural world behaves
under certain conditions.

Week 2: Evolution of the Scientific Method Across Civilizations

Regions and Contributions:

 Prehistoric Cultures: Early tools, fire, tracking seasons


 Mesopotamia & Egypt: Calendars, medicine, irrigation
2

 Greeks: Logic, deductive reasoning, Pythagoras, Aristotle


 China: Compass, gunpowder, herbal medicine, engineering
 South Asia: Ayurveda, zero, early surgical techniques
 Islamic Golden Age: Algebra, optics, scientific instruments
 Medieval & Renaissance Europe: Galileo, Newton, scientific revolution

Forms of Reasoning:

 Inductive: From specific observations to general conclusions


 Deductive: From general principles to specific predictions
 Abductive: Inference to the best explanation
 Hypothetico-deductive: Proposing hypotheses and testing them
 Falsification (Popper): Science advances by disproving incorrect theories

Week 3: The Modern Scientific Method

Topics:

 Steps in the modern method:


1. Observation
2. Question
3. Hypothesis
4. Experiment
5. Analysis
6. Conclusion
7. Peer Review & Replication
 Advantages:

o Objective, reliable, scalable


o Leads to consistent improvements in technology and quality of life
 Limitations:
o Cannot answer moral or metaphysical questions
o Biased data or flawed experiments
o Limitations of current instruments
 Science as a dominant method:
o Enlightenment, industrial revolution, educational reforms

Week 4: Introduction to Areas/Branches of Science

Natural Sciences:

 Physics – Matter, energy, forces, the universe


3

 Chemistry – Atoms, molecules, reactions, materials


 Biology – Life, cells, evolution, ecosystems

Formal Sciences:

 Mathematics, Logic, Computer Science

Applied Sciences:

 Engineering, Medicine, Environmental Science

Earth and Space Sciences:

 Geology, Astronomy, Meteorology, Oceanography

Weeks 5–6: Physics – Major Themes, Applications, and Experiments

Themes:

 Motion and forces (Newton’s laws)


 Energy (kinetic, potential, thermal)
 Waves and light
 Electricity and magnetism
 Quantum physics (basic intro)

Applications:

 Engineering, space exploration, energy production, electronics

Experiments:

 Pendulum and gravity


 Simple circuits
 Conservation of energy (e.g., ball drop)

Weeks 7–8: Chemistry – Major Themes, Applications, and Experiments

Themes:

 Structure of the atom


 Periodic table and chemical bonds
 Chemical reactions and equations
4

 States of matter

Applications:

 Medicine, materials, environmental chemistry, food science

Experiments:

 Baking soda and vinegar reaction


 pH testing
 Crystal formation

Weeks 9–10: Biology – Major Themes, Applications, and Experiments

Themes:

 Cell structure and function


 Genetics and DNA
 Evolution and natural selection
 Ecosystems and biodiversity

Applications:

 Health and medicine


 Agriculture and biotechnology
 Conservation and ecology

Experiments (ELI5 style):

 Microscope cell observations


 DNA extraction from fruit
 Germination of seeds under different conditions

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