What is Science?

Science is not just a collection of facts. Facts are a part of science. We all need to know some basic scientific information: water freezes at 0 degrees celsius, and the earth moves around the sun. But science is much more. It includes:

• Observing what's happening;
• Predicting what might happen;
• Testing predictions under controlled conditions to see if they are correct; and
• Trying to make sense of our observations.
  

Science also involves trial and error--trying, failing, and trying again. Science does not provide all the answers. It requires us to be skeptical so that our scientific "conclusions" can be modified or changed altogether as we make new discoveries.

The Branches of Science

• The Physical Sciences
  includes PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, and ASTRONOMY
• The Earth Sciences
  includes GEOLOGY, OCEANOGRAPHY, PALEONTOLOGY, and METEOROLOGY
• The Life Sciences (Biology)
  includes BOTANY, ZOOLOGY, GENETICS, and MEDICINE