Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. It aims to build knowledge based on testable explanations and predictions.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Science relies on empirical evidence and the scientific method.
Scientific theories are well-substantiated explanations acquired through repeated testing and observation.
Biology, as a branch of science, focuses on understanding living organisms and their interactions.
Peer review is an essential process in validating scientific research.
Falsifiability is a key criterion for a hypothesis in science; it must be possible to prove it wrong through experimentation.
Review Questions
Related terms
Hypothesis: A proposed explanation for a phenomenon, which can be tested through experiments or observations.
Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that incorporates facts, laws, inferences, and tested hypotheses.
Experiment: A procedure carried out under controlled conditions to test a hypothesis or demonstrate a known fact.