1.1 What Is Science?
Reading Focus
Key Concepts
How does the process of science start and end?- What is the relationship between science and technology?
- What are the branches of natural science?
Vocabulary
science
technology
chemistry
physics
geology
astronomy
biology
Reading Strategy
Previewing Skim the section to find out what the main branches of natural science are. Copy the concept map below. As you read, complete the concept map based on what you have learned.
Suppose you could send a robot to another planet. What kinds of experiments would you program the robot to carry out? Before you programmed the robot, you would need to figure out what information you wanted it to gather. Scientists are currently developing robots, like the one in Figure 1, that they plan to send to Mars. These robots are being designed to examine the atmosphere, rocks, gravity, and magnetic fields of the planet. Science involves asking questions about nature and then finding ways to answer them. This process doesn't happen by itself—it is driven by the curiosity of scientists.
Figure 1 In July 1997, the six-wheeled Sojourner rover became the first robot to explore planet Mars. The next generation of Mars rovers will help scientists further study the planet's geology, geography, and climate.
Science From Curiosity
Throughout history, human beings have had a strong sense of curiosity. Human curiosity led to the use of fire, the building of tools, and the development of languages. Have you ever checked what was living at the bottom of a pond? Taken off the cover of a baseball to see what was inside? Tried putting more chocolate or less in your milk to find out how much would give the best flavor? These are all examples of curiosity, and curiosity is the basis of science.
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