The Branches of Science

Science is a way or process used to investigate what is happening in the world around us

What is the origin of the word science The word science comes from the Latin word

scire which means “to know”

What is science?

What are the 3 main branches of science?Science is divided into 3 main categories or

branches Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science

Each branch asks questions about different kinds of systems

Life Science:Life Science is the study of living things and

their relationship to one another and their environment

Life scientists attempt to answer questions like “How do whales navigate the ocean?” and “How do vaccines prevent disease?”

Life scientists can study living organisms, where they live, and how they interact

Specialized branches of Life Science: Life science can be divided into a number of

specialized branches:1. Zoology – the study of animals2. Botany – the study of plants3. Ecology – the study of the relationship

between living organisms and their environment

4. Microbiology – the study of microscopic organisms such as bacteria

Life Science Careers:People who work in the health field are Life

ScientistsPhysicians, nurses, physical therapists,

dietitians, medical researchers, and others focus on the systems of the human body

Some other examples of careers that use life science include: biologists, zookeepers, botanists, farmers, and

beekeepers

Earth Science:Earth science is the study of the Earth, its

history, its changes, and its place in the universe

Earth science includes the study of nonliving things such as rocks, soil, clouds, rivers, oceans, planets, stars, meteors, and black holes

Earth Science:Earth scientists ask questions like “How can

an earthquake be detected?” or “Is water found on other planets?”

They make maps and investigate how geologic features formed on land and in the oceans

They also use their knowledge to search for fuels and minerals

Specialized branches of Earth Science:Some of the specialized branches of Earth

Science are:1. Geology – the study of the Earth’s origin,

history, and structure2. Meteorology – the study of the Earth’s

atmosphere, weather, and climate3. Oceanography – the study of the Earth’s

oceans, including their physical features, life forms, and natural resources

4. Astronomy – the study of the position, composition, size, and other characteristics of the planets, stars, and other objects in space

Earth Science Careers:Examples of some careers in Earth Science

include:1. Geologists2. Meteorologists3. Astronauts4. Volcanologists

Physical Science:Physical Science is the study of matter and

energyMatter is anything that takes up space and has

massEnergy is the ability to cause change in matter

Living and nonliving systems are made of matterExamples include plants, animals, rocks, the

atmosphere, and the water in oceans, lakes, and rivers

Two main branches of Physical ScienceThe two branches of Physical Science are:

Chemistry is the study of matter (atoms) and the interactions of matter

Physics is the study of energy and its ability to change matter

Chemists ask questions such as “How can I make plastic stronger?” or “What can I do to make aspirin more effective?”

Physicists might ask other types of questions, such as “How does light travel through glass fibers?” or “How can humans harness the energy of sunlight for their energy needs?”

Physical Science Careers:Many careers are based on the physical

sciences:Physicists and Chemists are some obvious

careersUltrasound and x-ray technicians working in

the medical field study physical science because they study the energy in ultrasound or x-rays and how if affects a living system

Science and Technology:Although learning the answers to scientific

questions is important these answers do not help people directly unless they can be applied

Technology is the practical use of science, or applied science

Engineers apply science to develop technology:The study of how to use the energy of sunlight

is scienceUsing this knowledge to create solar panels is

technology

Science and Technology:The study of the behavior of light as it travels

through thin glass, fiber optic wires, is scienceThe use of optical fibers to transmit

information is technology

Summary:

The branches of science are a handy way to classify the subject matter that scientists study

These branches interweave and overlap most of the time

The great discoveries of science do not occur unless scientists from many branches work together