What is Science?

Science is a body of knowledge obtained through study and observation.

There are four major branches of scientific study:

Chemistry

Physics

Earth Science

Biology

Biology is the study of living organisms.

Fields of study include:

• Botany Virology• Microbiology Ecology• Genetics Limnology• Zoology Ornithology• Physiology Herpetology • Entomology Medicine

Chemistry is the study of the compositionand properties of matter.

Fields of study include:

•Biochemistry•Polymer Chemistry•Food Chemistry•Pharmacology•Nuclear Chemistry•Geochemistry

Physics is the study of forces, motion and energy and how they affect matter.

Fields of study include:

• Nuclear Physics• Astrophysics

Earth Science is the study of how our planet worksand its place in the universe.

Fields of study include:

• Astronomy Paleontology• Oceanography Petrology• Geology Stratigraphy• Meteorology Hydrology• Volcanology Mineralogy• Seismology

Earth Science can be divided into four areas of study.

Astronomy Oceanography

Geology Meteorology

Meteorology is the study of weather and the forces that cause it.

Oceanography is the study of bodies of watercalled oceans.

Astronomy is the study of stars, planets and otherbodies in space.

Geology is the study of the processes that form andchange the earth.

Science

Biology Physics

ChemistryEarth Science

AstronomyMeteorology Geology Oceanography

Science Graphic Organizer

References

TextbookChapter 1 Section 1 Pages 6-9

Review Questions:

1. What are the four major areas of science?

2. What are the four major areas of study within earth science?

3. The study of living things is called?

4. The study of matter and its properties?

5. The study of rocks and minerals that make up the earth?

6. The study of planets, stars and other bodies in space?

7. The study of weather?