What are the 3 types of science?

Science is a set of tools and systematic methods for studying the natural world through observation and experimentation. Or, more simply, science is a way of exploring and understanding the physical world.

We, humans, love to find patterns, and we've been looking for practices in the world as long as we've existed. Our brains, however, are not very reliable when it comes to identifying and explaining those patterns. We can be pretty terrible at it. We get sick, and we assume it was the last thing we ate, even though it seldom is. We see a cold winter and call climate change a hoax. So, many of our instincts are objectively wrong.

Science is a way of avoiding that by using a systematic method called the scientific method: identify the problem, gather data, create a hypothesis, test the theory, does the new data agree with the idea?

Video Thumbnail

Quiz Course 252K views

The Scientific Method Simplified

The Three Branches of Science

There are three main branches of science: physical science, Earth science, and life science. Let's talk about each unit and the areas of study within each chapter.

Physics is Part of Physical Science

Physical science is the study of inanimate natural objects and the laws that govern them. It includes physics, chemistry, and astronomy. In physics, we try to break down the whole universe into fundamental, mathematical laws that explain the minor things in the universe and the largest. In chemistry, we study the composition, structure, changes, and properties of matter: focusing on the scale of chemical bonds and reactions. And in astronomy, we learn about celestial objects, including the origin of the planet on which we live.

Physical Science Also Includes Chemistry

Earth science is the study of the Earth and the physical components that make it up: the constitution of the atmosphere, the seas, the land, and how those things are tied together. It includes geology, oceanography, meteorology, and paleontology. Paleontology, the study of life that lived in prehistoric and geologic periods, overlaps with the life sciences. And other parts of Earth science have a lot of overlap with physical science.

Earth Science Includes Volcanoes, Earthquakes, the Atmosphere, the Core of the Planet, and Much More

Earth Science Includes Volcanoes, Earthquakes, the Atmosphere, the Core of the Planet, and Much MoreIn this research activity, students will learn about different careers in each of the three branches of science. Students will use academic sources from professional societies like the American Astronomical Society, colleges and universities, or news outlets. For example, students might fill in the table for an astronomer as shown below:

Branch of Science Career Description Salary Required Education Source

Physical Astronomer Astronomers study the planets, stars, and outer space through conducting research. Many of them also teach at universities About $100,000 A Ph.D. or Master's degree in astronomy or physics American Astronomical Societ

Earth

Life

student Instructions

In this activity, you'll be learning more about the possible career choices in each of the three branches of natural science. For each unit, fill in the table below with a particular career in that branch, a description of what that person does, and the source you used to find the information. Make sure to use credible sources, such as those from scientists, news outlets, or professional associations.