Science: Core Concepts and Scientific Method: quick revision, 11 bites

Science Is a Method, Not Just a Subject

Science is a way of thinking.

Science is not a fixed set of facts — it is a **systematic process** for testing ideas against evidence from the natural world.

Takeaway. Science advances by testing ideas with evidence, not by accepting claims on authority.

Key Terms Every Science Student Must Know

Master these words first.

Takeaway. A hypothesis is a guess to be tested; a theory is an explanation that has survived testing.

Hypothesis vs Theory: Not the Same Thing

Stop mixing up these two words.

Takeaway. In everyday speech 'theory' means a guess — in science it means a strongly supported explanation.

The Biggest Misconception About Science

Science is not a pile of facts.

Takeaway. Scientific knowledge is reliable but always open to revision — that is its strength, not a weakness.

The Scientific Method, Step by Step

Five steps that build real knowledge.

A good experiment changes **one variable at a time** while keeping all others constant, so the cause of any effect is clear.

Takeaway. Controlled experiments isolate cause and effect by changing only one variable.

The Three Great Branches of Science

Physics, chemistry, biology — one universe.

These branches overlap constantly — biochemistry studies life's molecules, and biophysics studies living systems with physics laws.

Takeaway. The branches of science are lenses on the same natural world, not separate worlds.

Science in Your Everyday Life

You use science every single day.

Takeaway. Everyday technology is applied science — understanding the science explains the technology.

How to Score in Science Exams

Answer with the right vocabulary.

Takeaway. Examiners reward precise scientific vocabulary and clearly separated observation vs inference.

Remember the Scientific Method

One acronym, five steps.

Use **OHECC**: **O**bserve → **H**ypothesise → **E**xperiment → **C**ollect data → **C**onclude.

Takeaway. OHECC keeps the five steps of the scientific method in order.

Science Corrects Itself

Even Einstein was revised.

Newton's laws of motion were considered complete for over 200 years — until Einstein's relativity showed they break down at very high speeds and huge masses.

Takeaway. New evidence can refine even the most established scientific ideas.

Where Science Can Take You

Science opens many doors.

Takeaway. A science foundation supports careers far beyond the laboratory.