Here's a breakdown:
* Knowledge: Science aims to gather and organize information about the natural world through observation and experimentation. This knowledge is constantly being refined and expanded as new discoveries are made.
* Methods: Science relies on a specific set of methods to acquire reliable knowledge. These methods include:
* Observation: Carefully and systematically observing the world around us.
* Experimentation: Designing and conducting controlled experiments to test hypotheses.
* Data analysis: Interpreting and drawing conclusions from the collected data.
* Peer review: Submitting research findings to other experts for scrutiny and evaluation.
* Theory building: Developing explanatory frameworks based on accumulated evidence.
Key characteristics of science:
* Empirical: Based on evidence gathered through observation and experimentation.
* Objective: Aiming for unbiased and impartial conclusions.
* Testable: Hypotheses and theories must be able to be tested and potentially falsified.
* Cumulative: Knowledge builds upon previous findings and discoveries.
* Self-correcting: Errors and inconsistencies are identified and corrected over time.
Science is a powerful tool for understanding the world around us. It allows us to make informed decisions, solve problems, and improve our lives.