Back to: Jss1 Basic Science (BST)

Meaning Of Science

The Greek/Latin word “scientia,” which means “knowledge,” is the root of the word “science.” Science is a methodical process that develops and organizes knowledge in the form of universe-related explanations and predictions that can be independently verified.

The study of nature, behaviour, and the knowledge we have about natural objects is known as science.

Science is also the methodical study of the makeup and dynamics of the natural and physical worlds through experimentation and observation.

Branches Of Science

Physical science, life science, and earth science are the three main subfields of science.

1. Physical Science: Physical science is regarded as the field of study that deals with inorganic, or non-living things. Examples of physical science include chemistry, physics, and astronomy.

2. Life science: This branch of science examines organic (life) objects and living things. biology of humans, animals, and plants is referred to as life science. The main branch of life science is biology.

3. Earth Science: Earth science is the study of the elements that make up the earth and its atmosphere. The understanding of the earth and how humans can preserve it can be improved by research from international scientists. 

Importance of Science 

1. Agriculture: In order to provide food for the world’s growing population, science helps to advance agricultural practices.
2. Medicine: Science has aided in the development of drugs and vaccines that are used to treat and prevent various diseases in the field of medicine.
3. Transportation: It has helped to develop a variety of methods for getting people, goods, and services from one place to another.
4. Communication: Scientific knowledge has helped to turn the world into a small, interconnected village through the development of the internet, radio, telephone e.t.c
5. Electricity: The development of electricity and various electrical and electronic devices has significantly improved the quality of life.

Career Opportunities In Science

For instance, biology and chemistry provide the building blocks for a wide range of professions, such as those in healthcare, environmental activism, and agriculture. Some other science careers include 

• Engineering
• Educational technology.
•  Meteorology
•  Geography
• Geology
•  Mineral Scienc
•  Petroleum Geology
• Environmental science.
• Urban planning
• Economics.
• Demographic marketing
• Statistics.
• Astrology and Astronomy:  

Scientific Methods

Scientists adhere to specific protocols when seeking to solve a scientific problem. In order to reach a conclusion regarding a variety of events and circumstances with enough proof or evidence to back their argument, a scientist will pursue a sequence of logical and rational stages.

The scientific approaches/ Methods include:

• Observation.
• Defining the problem (Identification of Problems)
• Gathering and classifying data.
• Forming a hypothesis.
• Recording/Interpretation.
• Drawing a conclusion.
• Theory and Law

Observation

Scientists use their senses, such as hearing, smell, touch, sight, and taste, to figure out what is going on in an experiment. For example, they look closely at objects to see how they are alike and different. Tools are frequently used by scientists when they observe. For instance, a telescope can see items that are too far away for the naked eye to see, while a microscope can examine objects that are too small for the untrained eye to perceive.

Defining the problem

In science, recognizing a problem is the first step. Here, questions in this area are raised to better understand the situation. It is a significant step toward resolving the issue. Any observable problem is defined precisely by a statement.

Gathering and Classifying Data

More observations, reading pertinent books, papers, reports, and journals, as well as the creation of one or more journal entries, are used to gather the problem-related facts for this section. After gathering the information, it is put into categories based on a variety of distinctive characteristics.

Formation of  Hypothesis

A scientific assumption that is supported by evidence and offers a potential resolution to the problem is called a hypothesis. A hypothesis is developed using the gathered and arranged facts. it is a speculative explanation for a phenomenon that serves as the basis for further investigation.

Experiment

Scientists carry out experiments to see if the hypotheses are true or false. Experimentation is a technique for obtaining information or evidence to show whether a hypothesis is true or false.

Recording

Scientists document everything they see during an experiment for future use and research (i.e., for future reference).

Drawing conclusion

This is the final answer a scientist has come up with to the question they started with. In this stage, scientists reach conclusions and decide whether the hypothesis is true or false. A hypothesis can only be referred to as a “Theory” after it has been repeatedly proven to be true. If the theory is found to be false, they are released and subjected to additional testing.

A theory is referred to as a “Law” when it has undergone extensive testing and been found to be accurate. Additionally, the assertion that tells us whether or not the hypothesis is true is the conclusion, which is created based on the interpreted experiment results. The results of the experiment are reliable pieces of information that are used to either confirm or refute the hypothesis.

Interpretation

Scientists use mathematics to analyze experiment data after it has been recorded. The information as it has been interpreted supports the theory’s viability. Both probability, which quantifies the likelihood that a specific event will occur, and statistics, which examines numerical data, are mathematical concepts applied.

Theory and Law

In science, a theory is a proven idea. Only after it has been repeatedly confirmed to be true does a hypothesis become a “theory.”

An idea is said to be a law when it has undergone extensive testing and been shown to be accurate. which means that rigorous tests and other forms of evidence have been used by scientists to establish the validity of the law.