The term “science” refers to the systematic gathering, condensing and testing of knowledge. Thanks to science, we as a society have enjoyed numerous technological advances in fields such as agriculture, medicine, robotics, computing, architecture, energy, genetics, psychology, aerospace and aviation and numerous others. In common parlance, we often use the word “science” to refer to futuristic or hyper-modern concepts and developments—but in reality, science is an integral part of human past, present and future. Likewise, science refers to more than the experimentation phase of research and development. Science is an overarching discipline and methodology, a philosophy and a community.
The scientific method is the crux of all things we associate with science. Unlike art and religion, which stress subjective, often ineffable concepts and ideas, the scientific method is a body of techniques employed to investigate phenomena, acquire new knowledge and correct or integrate previous knowledge. The scientific method bases findings on observable, empirical and measurable evidence as well as principles of reasoning. Most scientific undertakings consist of a hypothesis (i.e. a conjecture that might explain a certain phenomenon or causation), a test of the hypothesis and analysis of findings. After data is interpreted and conclusions are drawn, the results are published for scrutiny by peers and retesting.
Scientific pursuits are typically organized into fields of study. For example, biology is the study of living creatures, chemistry is the study of chemicals and elements and physics is the study of how objects move through space. Many scientific pursuits draw from a number of different branches (i.e. interdisciplinary studies), which further stresses the communal nature of science. Experts from various fields often collaborate to develop solutions or answers for vexing scientific issues that span several fields of research.
Science, by nature, is a highly technical field. Oftentimes, presumptions and intuitions run directly counter to the findings of science, which makes many emerging scientific developments difficult for laymen to understand. But because science factors so significantly into our everyday lives, learning about science is can be extremely fascinating.
Our Science Directory was designed to help curious parties and intrepid scientists alike get the most out of the worldwide scientific community. In these links, you’ll find straightforward, easy-to-understand explanations of complex concepts, theories and laws. You can also find sites and links to information about scientific conferences and conventions, employment opportunities and educational resources.