Vocabulary: What is Science?

STEM 101 begins with the basic understanding of the different branches of science.

The following are the vocabulary words that were reviewed and discussed in class. Please continued to study & review these words & definitions daily.

Step 1: Students must be able to spell the name of each branch of science.

Step 2: Students will explain and identify what each branch of science studies.

Step 3: Students will identify 1-2 careers that are available in each branch of science

Step 1 : Branches of Science. Please study how to spell the words below:

  • Anatomy

  • Optics

  • Biology

  • Nuclear Physics

  • Physiology

  • Chemistry

  • Botany

  • Geology

  • Zoology

  • Marine Biology

  • Microbiology

  • Oceanography

  • Thermodynamics

  • Meteorology

  • Astronomy

  • Herpetology

  • Ecology

  • Genetics

  • Physics

  • Medicine

  • Biochemistry

    Step 2  & Step 3: Please study the definition and the careers for each branch of science.

Anatomy:  Studies parts that make up living things. Studies the structures of humans, animals and other living things. Careers: Physical Therapist , Doctor.

Astronomy: The study of the universe beyond Earth, outside of earth’s atmosphere. Careers: Rocket Scientist, Astronaut.

Biology:  The study of life and living things. Careers: Biologist, Wildlife biologist, Game Wardens.

Biochemistry: The study of chemical substances occurring in living things. Career: Biochemist. Careers of interest: Medical research, Pharmaceuticals.

Botany: The study of plants. Careers: Botanist, Horticulturist, Florist.

Chemistry: The study of substance and matter. Doctors use chemistry to make medicine that helps us when we are sick. Scientists who specialize in chemistry are called chemists. Careers: Chemist, Pharmacist. http://www.ducksters.com/science/chemistry/

Ecology: The study of the way living things interact. For example the study of humans and their environment. Career: Ecologist.

Genetics: The study of heredity and why we look the way we do. This is a field in biology. The father of genetics is Gregor Mendel. Careers: Doctor, Geneticist.

Geology: The study of forces that shape Earth. The study of landforms on Earth. Geo means earth. Careers: Mineralogist, Volcanologist, Soil Conservationist.

Herpetology: The branch of zoology that studies reptiles & amphibians including frogs, toads, newts, snakes, lizards, turtles, & crocodilians.  Careers: Herpetologist, College Teaching – a professor.

Marine Biology: The study of plants and animals that live in the ocean. Career: Marine biologist.

Medicine: The study of diseases. Careers: Doctors – Pediatrician, Internist, Podiatrist, Cardiologist.

Meteorology:  The study of the weather. Careers: Meteorologist, Weather observer, Weather Forecaster.

Microbiology: The study of plants and animals that live in the ocean. Career: Marine biologist.

Nuclear Physics: The study of the protons and neutrons at the centre of an atom The study of the behavior of the atomic nuclei. Careers: Nuclear Physicist, Nuclear Chemist, Nuclear Bio-researcher, Power Plant Operator.

Optics: The study of light and vision. Careers: Optician – Eye doctor,  Scientist.

Oceanography: The study of Earth’s oceans. Careers: Oceanographer, Underwater Photographer, Marine Biologist.

Physics: The study of energy, matter and force. Careers: Physicist.

Physiology: The study of how the parts of living things work. Example: the study of how your body moves. Careers: Physiologist, Chiropractor.

Thermodynamics: The study of heat and how it is converted or changed to other forms of energy.Example: solar energy can be converted to electricity for use in our homes. Careers: Thermodynamicist, Engineer.

Zoology:  The study of animals and animal life. Careers: Zoologist, Veterinarian.

For more information about the Branches of Science follow the links below: