Branches of
Science
What is Science?
Science is the methods we use to investigate
the world and solve problems.
We use the process of science everyday.
When a toddler can’t tie his/her shoe. The
problem is how can he/she tie his/her shoe?
He/She investigates by trying different ways
of tying the shoe. Then eventually the toddler
solves their problem by learning to tie the
shoe.
By definition the toddler has just used the
process of science.
Three Branches of
Science
• Life Science
• Earth Science
• Physical Science
Life Science
• The study of living
things is known as
biology, or life
science. People
who study biology
are known as
biologist.
Careers in Life Science
• Botanist
• Marine Biologist
• Park Rangers
• Forestry Technician
• Health-Care Workers
Earth Science
The Study of the Earth
Earth Science is the study of the earth and the
universe around it.
– It is the oldest observable science and is based
on the accumulated body of scientific knowledge
that has been passed through time
The Major Studies of Earth Science
Geology
Oceanography
Meteorology
Astronomy
Introduction to Earth Science
• Geology- the study of the origin,
history, and processes that created
the structure of the earth
• Oceanography- the study of the
earth’s ocean
• Meteorology- the study of the earth’s
atmosphere
• Astronomy- the study of the universe
The Scope of Earth Science
1. Astronomy
– Astronomy is the study of objects beyond
Earth’s atmosphere.
– Astronomers study the universe and
everything in it, including Earth’s place in
space, its neighbors, and other bodies in the
universe.
The Scope of Earth Science
2.Meteorology
– Meteorology is the branch of Earth science
that studies the air that surrounds our
planet.
– Meteorologists study the forces and processes
that cause the atmosphere to change to
produce weather.
– They also try to predict the weather and how
changes in weather might affect Earth’s
climate.
The Scope of Earth Science
3.Geology
– Geology is the study of the materials that
make up Earth and the processes that form
and change these materials.
– Geologists identify rocks, study glacial
movements, interpret clues to Earth’s 4.6
billion-year history, and determine how
forces change our planet, among many
other things.
The Scope of Earth Science
4.Oceanography
– Oceanography is the study of Earth’s
oceans, which cover nearly three-fourths of
the planet.
– Oceanographers study the creatures that
inhabit salty water, measure different
physical and chemical properties of the
oceans, and observe various processes in
these bodies of water.
Section Assessment
1. Match the following terms with their definitions.
C geology
___
D oceanography
___
B meteorology
___
___
A astronomy
A. the study of objects beyond
Earth’s atmosphere
B. the study of the air that
surrounds Earth
C. the study of the materials that
make up Earth and the
processes that form and
change these materials
D. the study of Earth’s oceans
Physical Science
Physical Science
is the study of
matter and how
matter changes.
There are Two Main Areas of
Physical Science
Chemistry
&
Physics
Chemistry vs. Physics
• Chemistry is the study • Physics is the study
of the properties of
of matter and energy
matter and how
and how they interact.
matter changes.
• Physics is concerned
• Chemistry studies
with the interaction
composition,
between matter and
structure, properties,
energy through force
and reactions of
and motion.
matter.
Section Assessment
1. Match the following terms with their definitions.
C chemistry
___
D physics
___
B chemistry
___
___
A physics
A. the study of the interaction
between matter and energy
through force and motion
B. the study of the properties of
matter and how matter
changes
C. the study of the composition,
structure, property and
reactions of matter
D. the study of matter and
energy and how they interact