Science
The Scientific Method
Science is built on a process, not just facts. The scientific method is a cycle:
- Observe — notice something interesting in the world
- Question — ask why or how it happens
- Hypothesize — propose a testable explanation
- Experiment — design a test that could prove you wrong
- Analyze — look at the data honestly
- Conclude & Repeat — refine or reject the hypothesis
Major Branches
- Physics — matter, energy, motion, and forces
- Chemistry — substances, reactions, and molecular interactions
- Biology — living organisms and life processes
- Earth Science — geology, meteorology, oceanography
- Astronomy — celestial objects and the cosmos
Why It Matters
Every piece of technology you use, every medicine you take, and every prediction about the weather comes from scientific inquiry. Science isn't a collection of facts — it's a way of thinking that values evidence over assumption.
Key Concepts Across All Sciences
- Conservation of energy — energy changes form but is never created or destroyed
- Evolution by natural selection — organisms adapt over generations
- Atomic theory — matter is made of discrete particles
- Peer review — claims must survive scrutiny by other experts