# natural science > branch of science about the natural world **Wikidata**: [Q7991](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7991) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_science) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/natural-science ## Summary Natural science is the branch of science that studies the natural world, encompassing disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, and Earth science. It focuses on understanding the physical and biological phenomena that govern the universe, from the smallest particles to the largest celestial bodies. ## Key Facts - Natural science is classified as a branch of science and an academic discipline. - It includes subfields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and Earth science. - Natural science is part of the broader category of science and is closely related to natural philosophy. - It is supported by institutions such as research institutes, learned societies, and academic journals. - Natural science is taught through formal education systems and informal science education initiatives. - It is documented through scientific literature, including journals like *Science* and *American Scientist*. - Natural science is practiced by scientists, researchers, and educators across the globe. - It is influenced by scientific terminology, scientific knowledge, and scientific schools of thought. - Natural science is also shaped by historical figures like Francis Bacon, who is considered a foundational figure in the development of the scientific method. - Natural science has a Wikidata description: "branch of science about the natural world." - Natural science has aliases: natural sciences, natural history, science. - Natural science has sitelink_count: 156 and Wikipedia title: Natural science. - Natural science has a Wikimedia Commons category and topic labels: P373: Natural sciences, P935: Natural sciences. - Media files associated with natural science include P18: NaturalScienceMontage.png, P989: Es-Ciencias Naturales-article.ogg, and P2716: NaturalScienceMontage.png. - Natural science is connected to multiple branches and related fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, Earth science, and astronomy. - Natural science is linked to professional societies and organizations including the Royal Society, the Polish Academy of Sciences, and the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. - Natural science is linked to journals including *Science*, *American Scientist*, and *Nature*. - Natural science is linked to awards and competitions such as the Nobel Prize in Physics, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. - Natural science is linked to research and education institutions such as the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology and the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource. - Natural science has many external identifiers and classification codes in the source, including P10: LotuseffectAnimationv2.ogv, P227: 4041421-8, P268: 11933235d, P486: D010811, P508: 1910, P646: /m/09pz7, P672: H01, P691: ph115999, P950: XX525695, P1014: 300233656, P1036: 500, P1051: 11969, P1245: 2485, P1617: d89dcf8b-7089-4004-8733-8ffa374eb711, P1807: 20369, P2347: 6227, P2477: T375, P2581: 00056999n, P3235: natural-sciences, P3553: 19553298, P3911: 15664-3, P3916: concept233, P3984: Naturwissenschaft, P4342: naturvitenskap, P5034: KSH1998010840, P5429: mediatopic/20000717, P5748: 3-4, P6293: Y97025, P6366: 193235544, P6573: Naturwissenschaft, P6900: 自然科学, P7502: Natural_science-XK48D, P7712: T51-156, P8061: c_49914, P8168: Q245824, P8309: 18-207261, P8313: naturvidenskab, P8519: 62899, P8539: Natural Sciences, P8885: 자연과학, P9223: 5d3bf80b-2739-43aa-aa28-5831ca507a99, P9545: 249025, P9827: 003851, P9937: 69093, P10283: C193235544, P10287: 3, P10376: earth-and-planetary-sciences/natural-science, physics-and-astronomy/natural-science, social-sciences/natural-science, social-sciences/natural-sciences, P10565: 318234, P10690: 5524, P11137: natural_science, P11662: 112188, P12086: Natuurwetenschap, P12582: 20110803100225419, P12596: 2891, P12839: 548, P13346: LEMAC201223787, P13591: place/4b06aff3-7ff3-4cf9-8383-c75d9684b483. ## FAQs ### What are the main branches of natural science? Natural science encompasses several major branches, including physics, chemistry, biology, and Earth science. Physics studies matter and its motion, along with related concepts such as energy and force. Chemistry explores the composition, structure, and properties of matter. Biology focuses on living organisms, their structure, function, growth, evolution, and distribution. Earth science examines the Earth's composition, structure, physical properties, and history, as well as the processes that shape it. ### How is natural science classified in the scientific community? Natural science is classified as both a branch of science and an academic discipline. It is part of the broader scientific community that studies natural phenomena and is specifically focused on understanding the natural world. It is recognized as an academic discipline with formal educational programs and research institutions worldwide. ### What is the historical development of natural science as a field? Natural science has evolved over centuries, with foundational contributions from figures like Francis Bacon, who is often credited with formalizing the scientific method. The development of natural science has been shaped by historical milestones such as the establishment of learned societies like the Royal Society (1660) and the Polish Academy of Sciences (1951). These institutions have played a crucial role in promoting scientific inquiry and collaboration. ### What are the practical applications of natural science research? Natural science research has extensive practical applications, including medical research and healthcare, pharmaceutical development, agricultural improvement, environmental conservation, and biotechnology industries. Natural science research directly contributes to understanding disease mechanisms, developing new medicines, improving crop yields, and addressing environmental challenges. ### What organizations and institutions are prominent in natural science research? Major institutions include the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, the Royal Society, the Polish Academy of Sciences, and the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. These organizations coordinate global research efforts and set standards for natural science research practices. ### Who are notable figures in natural science? Key historical figures include Francis Bacon (foundational figure in the development of the scientific method), Isaac Newton (physicist and mathematician), Marie Curie (chemist and physicist), and Gregor Mendel (geneticist). Modern natural science also recognizes contributions from researchers like James Clerk Maxwell (physicist and mathematician) and Stephen Hawking (theoretical physicist). ## Why It Matters Natural science is fundamental to understanding the natural world and driving technological progress. It provides the framework for evidence-based decision-making in fields such as medicine, engineering, environmental management, and technology development. By fostering critical thinking and systematic inquiry, natural science empowers societies to make informed choices, innovate responsibly, and address complex issues like climate change, disease, and sustainable development. It also plays a crucial role in shaping public policy, advancing education, and promoting global cooperation through shared methodologies and findings. Natural science is not only a body of knowledge but also a process that encourages curiosity, skepticism, and open-mindedness. It drives progress by challenging assumptions, testing hypotheses, and refining theories based on evidence. The scientific community, composed of researchers, educators, and institutions, ensures that knowledge is rigorously validated and widely shared. This collaborative and self-correcting nature of natural science makes it a cornerstone of modern civilization, influencing everything from daily life to long-term planning. ## Notable For - Encompassing the scientific study of the natural world, including physics, chemistry, biology, and Earth science. - Serving as the foundation for medical sciences, pharmaceutical development, and healthcare innovations. - Integrating multiple subdisciplines including physics, chemistry, biology, and Earth science. - Driving major advances in human health through research in disease mechanisms and treatments. - Providing essential knowledge for addressing global challenges in agriculture, environment, and sustainability. - Supporting evidence-based policy making in public health, conservation, and environmental protection. - Facilitating breakthrough discoveries in genomics, biotechnology, and personalized medicine. - Maintaining interdisciplinary connections with mathematics, engineering, and computational sciences. - Preserving and expanding human knowledge about the natural world and its applications. - Supporting global food security through agricultural research and crop improvement programs. ## Body ### Definition and Scope Natural science is defined as the branch of science that studies the natural world, encompassing disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, and Earth science. It focuses on understanding the physical and biological phenomena that govern the universe, from the smallest particles to the largest celestial bodies. Natural science is classified as both a branch of science and an academic discipline, and it is part of the broader category of science. ### History and Evolution Natural science has evolved over centuries, with foundational contributions from figures like Francis Bacon, who is often credited with formalizing the scientific method. The development of natural science has been shaped by historical milestones such as the establishment of learned societies like the Royal Society (1660) and the Polish Academy of Sciences (1951). These institutions have played a crucial role in promoting scientific inquiry and collaboration. ### Disciplines and Fields Natural science encompasses several major branches, including physics, chemistry, biology, and Earth science. Physics studies matter and its motion, along with related concepts such as energy and force. Chemistry explores the composition, structure, and properties of matter. Biology focuses on living organisms, their structure, function, growth, evolution, and distribution. Earth science examines the Earth's composition, structure, physical properties, and history, as well as the processes that shape it. ### Institutions and Organizations Natural science is supported by a wide range of institutions, including research institutes, learned societies, and academic journals. Major institutions include the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, the Royal Society, the Polish Academy of Sciences, and the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. These organizations coordinate global research efforts and set standards for natural science research practices. ### Scientific Method and Knowledge The scientific method is central to the practice of natural science. It involves observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis. Natural science knowledge is produced through this method and is characterized by reproducibility and peer review. It is documented in scientific literature, including journals like *Science* and *American Scientist*. ### Education and Outreach Natural science education is promoted through formal curricula in schools and universities, as well as informal science education programs and public engagement initiatives. These efforts aim to increase scientific literacy and foster a deeper understanding of the natural world. ### Applications and Impact Natural science has a broad impact on various fields, including medicine, technology, environmental management, and policy-making. It provides the framework for evidence-based decision-making and drives technological progress. Natural science research directly contributes to understanding disease mechanisms, developing new medicines, improving crop yields, and addressing environmental challenges. ### Notable Figures and Contributions Natural science has been shaped by numerous notable figures, including Francis Bacon, Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, and Gregor Mendel. Modern natural science also recognizes contributions from researchers like James Clerk Maxwell and Stephen Hawking. These figures have made significant contributions to the development of natural science and have advanced our understanding of the natural world. ### Scientific Literature and Communication Scientific literature serves as the primary medium for sharing research findings, theories, and methodologies. It includes academic journals like *Science* and *American Scientist*, as well as books and essays that explore scientific concepts and debates. Conferences and symposia also facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among researchers. ### Future Directions Natural science continues to evolve with advancements in technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global challenges such as climate change and public health. It remains a dynamic field that adapts to new discoveries and societal needs, ensuring its relevance and impact across generations. ### Related Concepts and Fields Natural science is closely related to natural philosophy, which was the dominant philosophical study of nature and the physical universe before the development of modern science. Natural science is also connected to multiple branches and related fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, Earth science, and astronomy. ### External Identifiers and Classification Codes Natural science has many external identifiers and classification codes, including P10: LotuseffectAnimationv2.ogv, P227: 4041421-8, P268: 11933235d, P486: D010811, P508: 1910, P646: /m/09pz7, P672: H01, P691: ph115999, P950: XX525695, P1014: 300233656, P1036: 500, P1051: 11969, P1245: 2485, P1617: d89dcf8b-7089-4004-8733-8ffa374eb711, P1807: 20369, P2347: 6227, P2477: T375, P2581: 00056999n, P3235: natural-sciences, P3553: 19553298, P3911: 15664-3, P3916: concept233, P3984: Naturwissenschaft, P4342: naturvitenskap, P5034: KSH1998010840, P5429: mediatopic/20000717, P5748: 3-4, P6293: Y97025, P6366: 193235544, P6573: Naturwissenschaft, P6900: 自然科学, P7502: Natural_science-XK48D, P7712: T51-156, P8061: c_49914, P8168: Q245824, P8309: 18-207261, P8313: naturvidenskab, P8519: 62899, P8539: Natural Sciences, P8885: 자연과학, P9223: 5d3bf80b-2739-43aa-aa28-5831ca507a99, P9545: 249025, P9827: 003851, P9937: 69093, P10283: C193235544, P10287: 3, P10376: earth-and-planetary-sciences/natural-science, physics-and-astronomy/natural-science, social-sciences/natural-science, social-sciences/natural-sciences, P10565: 318234, P10690: 5524, P11137: natural_science, P11662: 112188, P12086: Natuurwetenschap, P12582: 20110803100225419, P12596: 2891, P12839: 548, P13346: LEMAC201223787, P13591: place/4b06aff3-7ff3-4cf9-8383-c75d9684b483. These identifiers and classification codes provide a comprehensive framework for cataloging and referencing natural science research and resources. ## References 1. [Nuovo soggettario](https://thes.bncf.firenze.sbn.it/termine.php?id=1910) 2. Nuovo soggettario 3. [Source](http://www.uis.unesco.org/Education/Documents/isced-fields-of-education-training-2013.pdf) 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. [Registros de autoridad de "Materia" de la Biblioteca Nacional de España. Spain open data portal](https://www.bne.es/media/datosgob/catalogo-autoridades/materia/materia-UTF8.zip) 6. BBC Things 7. YSO-Wikidata mapping project 8. General Finnish Ontology 9. BabelNet 10. YSA - General Finnish Thesaurus 11. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Natural_science-XK48D) 12. [Education Resources Information Center Thesaurus](https://eric.ed.gov/?ti=Natural+Sciences) 13. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format) 14. [Source](https://www.dfg.de/dfg_profil/gremien/fachkollegien/faecher/)