Natural science

Main thing

Natural science is a fundamental branch of science that systematically studies the universe's natural phenomena through observation and experimentation.
It includes disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, Earth science, astronomy, and environmental science. These areas work together to deepen our understanding of the natural world, from microscopic life forms to the cosmos. Natural science is essential for technological innovation, addressing environmental issues, and expanding our knowledge of the universe.
Example: Studying the properties of viruses in biology helps develop vaccines.

Terms

• Physics: The study of matter, energy, and the forces that interact with them. Example: Understanding how electricity works.

• Chemistry: The science of substances and how they change during chemical reactions. Example: Pharmacists use chemistry to create medicines.

• Biology: The study of living organisms and their processes. Example: Doctors use biology to treat diseases.

• Earth Science: The study of Earth's physical structure and substances. Example: Geologists analyze rock formations to find natural resources.

• Astronomy: The study of celestial bodies and the universe beyond Earth's atmosphere. Example: Using telescopes to explore distant galaxies.

• Environmental Science: The study of the environment and how organisms interact with it. Example: Researching the effects of pollution on ecosystems.

• Science: The pursuit of knowledge about the natural world through systematic study and experimentation. Example: Scientific research leads to technological advancements.

• The Scientific Method: A systematic approach to research, involving observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and conclusion drawing. Example: Testing a new medicine in controlled trials.

• Branch of Science: A division of science that specializes in a particular area of study. Example: There are three fundamental branches of science: Natural science, Social science, Formal science.

An analogy

Natural science is like exploring a vast, uncharted territory.
Just as explorers map out new lands, natural scientists explore and map the unknown territories of the natural world, uncovering its secrets and laws.

A main misconception

Many believe that natural science has already discovered all there is to know about our world.
In reality, natural science is an ever-evolving field, with new discoveries and mysteries emerging regularly. There is still much about the universe that remains unknown.

The history

1. Ancient civilizations made early observations of the natural world, laying the groundwork for natural science.

2. Physics emerged as a distinct field in the 17th century, with figures like Isaac Newton.

3. Chemistry became a formal science in the late 18th century, following Antoine Lavoisier's work.

4. Biology was unified as a single science in the 19th century, particularly after Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.

5. Earth science and environmental science gained prominence in the 20th century, driven by the need to understand and address global environmental challenges.

6. Astronomy has been studied since ancient times, but the 20th century brought significant advances with space exploration.

"Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge." - Carl Sagan (an influential astronomer, cosmologist, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, author, and science communicator in astronomy and other natural sciences)

Interesting facts

• The speed of light is exactly 299,792,458 meters per second, and nothing in the universe is known to travel faster.

• The human body is made up of around 37 trillion cells, each with its own function and life cycle.

• Water is the only substance on Earth that naturally exists in three states: solid, liquid, and gas.

• The Earth's core is as hot as the surface of the sun, with temperatures estimated to be around 6,000 degrees Celsius.

• There are more trees on Earth than stars in the Milky Way galaxy, with an estimated 3 trillion trees and 100-400 billion stars.