fbpx

KidsKonnect

Natural Science Facts & Worksheets

Natural science is a field of science that studies natural phenomena or the processes that we observe in nature. This contrasts theoretical sciences (such as mathematics or philosophy), which seek to develop hypotheses to explain natural facts.

Search for Worksheets

Worksheets /Science /Natural Science Facts & Worksheets

Premium
Not ready to purchase a subscription? Click to download the free sample version   Download sample

Natural science is a field of science that studies natural phenomena or the processes that we observe in nature. This contrasts theoretical sciences (such as mathematics or philosophy), which seek to develop hypotheses to explain natural facts.

See the fact file below for more information on Natural Science, or you can download our 26-page worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

ORIGIN

  • There has yet to be a precise date for the start of natural scientific study. Some experts believe that natural science originated thousands of years ago, even before the age of pre-literate human societies. 
  • People had to understand the natural environment to survive during this period. Similarly to customary practice, these people learned about plants and animals, notably their uses as food, clothing, and medicine.
  • This old wisdom was passed down multiple generations in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt until around 3500 to 3000 BCE. 
  • These empires adopted their culture’s knowledge, giving birth to the first written description of natural philosophy. 
  • Despite its influence on other branches of research, like mathematics, this publication was a key milestone in developing natural science.
  • On the other hand, earlier kinds of natural science have no scientific basis. Natural philosophy’s textual proof was based on mythological beliefs and lacked specific cause-and-effect explanations based on nature. 
  • Several records provide additional evidence for the origins of natural science. It depicts historical tales from various countries, including ancient China, India, and Greece.
  • When legendary notions began to shift toward a far more realistic viewpoint during 600 to 400 BCE, natural philosophy was the study of the causes and effects of nature. However, the concept of magic and mythology can still be found in early scientific studies. 
  • However, early philosophers worked hard to establish more sound explanations for what happens in nature. 
  • During this era, other hypotheses were emerging, such as earthquakes produced by landmass movement over the sea, the idea of the atom, in which everything was made of indivisible components and early speculations about the Earth’s structure.
  • About 400 BCE, the Greek philosopher and mathematician Aristotle made a greater contribution to the advancement of natural knowledge.
  • His research covers many topics, including biology, physics, nature, and astronomy. He investigated nature’s behavior in more depth, resulting in scientific breakthroughs never previously observed. 
  • Aristotle’s study impacted many philosophers and scientists, laying a solid foundation in science, particularly natural science. 
  • He was regarded as the father of biology due to his extraordinary work in understanding life forms.
  • Several additional philosophers and scientists contributed to the progress of natural science over the years, allowing it to reach its current level. 
  • In our modern society, numerous scientists continue to investigate the mysteries of our cosmos to pass on knowledge to future generations.

BRANCHES

  • It is critical to learn about what happens in nature. Scientists can improve lives and assist people in adapting to environmental changes due to their discoveries. 
  • Branch of Science: The natural science discipline is defined by its investigation, description, explanation, and prediction of natural occurrences. 
  • Natural science is arranged in this fashion as a branch of science. Natural science is divided into numerous sub-fields of study. 
  • Scientists can research certain aspects of nature and observable natural phenomena in these sub-areas.
  • Academic Discipline: Because there are various subfields of natural science, people can study each of these within natural science. An academic discipline gives a path to a career or vocation in natural sciences.
  • Natural science is organized into two major branches: life science and physical science. Biology, or the study of living things, is another name for life science. Physical science is divided into four branches, which are as follows:
  • Natural science is a vast discipline divided into five major divisions. They are as follows:

Biology

  • The term ‘biology’ comes from the Greek terms ‘bios’ (life) and ‘logos’ (study). So biology (sometimes known as life science) studies living organisms and their behaviors. 
  • Biology is a vast science with numerous subfields of study. Botany (the study of plants), morphology (the study of biological structures), genetics (the study of genes), zoology (the study of animals), microbiology (the study of microbes), and many more disciplines are included.

Astronomy

  • Astronomy is the study of celestial beings, space in general, or everything outside Earth’s atmosphere. Astronomy derives from the Greek words astron (star) and Amos (arrangement). 
  • Astronomers study celestial bodies visible from Earth (such as the moon, sun, stars, and some planets) and distant galaxies visible only through sophisticated telescopes. 
  • Astronomy also includes the investigation of phenomena such as black holes and speculations concerning dark matter and energy.

Chemistry

  • Chemistry studies substances or matter (the stuff that makes up the physical universe). 
  • Chemistry’s goal is to understand the makeup, structure, and properties of substances (specified as elements and compounds) and the changes that occur when they react with other substances. 
  • Chemistry also investigates how energy is released or absorbed during chemical reactions.
  • Chemistry is divided into various areas, some of which intersect with physics and biology. The five major branches of chemistry are as follows:
  • Organic chemistry
  • Inorganic chemistry
  • Physical chemistry
  • Analytical chemistry
  • Biochemistry

Earth Science

  • Earth science (geoscience) studies Earth and everything that happens on it. 
  • This includes studying the physical Earth, its oceans, its atmosphere, and the planet’s genesis and evolution. 
  • Geology, meteorology, astronomy, and oceanography are the four primary fields of Earth science.
  • Geology is the study of the geosphere, or the solid Earth’s origin, history, and structure. This covers, among other things, the study of various rock kinds, the movement of the Earth’s crust, volcanoes, and earthquakes. 
  • Meteorology is the study of the weather and climate on Earth, astronomy is the study of space, and oceanography is the study of the oceans, including their tides, composition, and organisms.

Physics

  • Physics is one of the oldest academic subjects on the planet, and it studies matter, energy, forces, mass, and charge. 
  • The term ‘physics’ comes from the Ancient Greek word ‘physis,’ which means “nature.” 
  • Physics, in the end, strives to make sense of the cosmos and the rules that govern it.
  • Physics can be separated into two major branches. 
  • Classical physics (pre-1900 theories) and current physics (post-1900 theories based on quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity) are the two categories of physics.

NATURAL SCIENCE VS. MODERN NATURAL SCIENCE

  • Science is a body of knowledge that explores the natural and social worlds via experimentation and hypothesis testing. 
  • The scientific method refers to the procedure of experimenting through several phases. 
  • From Sir Francis Bacon in the 1620s to George Washington Carver in the 1900s, scientists have used data to make observations and execute experiments. 
  • They’ve used that information to draw conclusions that will assist in shaping our understanding of the natural world. 
  • This essential practice of using the scientific method has remained the same. 
  • However, subjects such as natural science have evolved into modern science as technological advances continue. 
  • Here are some examples of how current natural science has evolved: 
    • An increase in the number of peer-reviewed papers available online. This makes scientific reporting much more accessible for people to read, understand, and discuss.
  • Specialization has been improved. The approach to solving natural problems becomes more complex as the questions become more complex. 
  • A scientist in natural science works on a large topic (for example, the geography and evolution of a plant species). 
  • Modern natural science entails solving problems that are much more specialized (for example, fish adaptations in an aquatic ecosystem).

NATURAL SCIENCE VS. SOCIAL SCIENCE

  • Natural science is typically defined as focused on events that occur in nature. Human conduct and interactions with the natural environment or society are not included. 
  • The study of human relationships in society is included in social science. Social science research is sometimes subjective and does not necessarily necessitate the application of the scientific method. 
  • Natural science study is impartial and uses scientific methods to conduct tests.

Natural Science Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Natural Science across 26 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Natural Science, a field of science that studies natural phenomena or the processes that we observe in nature. This contrasts theoretical sciences (such as mathematics or philosophy), which seek to develop hypotheses to explain natural facts.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Natural Science Facts
  2. The Trailblazers
  3. Plate Tectonics
  4. Where do I belong?
  5. The Three Sciences
  6. Night Sky Observation
  7. Taking Action
  8. Exploring Natural Science
  9. My Favorite
  10. Vibrant Reactions
  11. Egg-cellent Protection

Frequently Asked Questions

What is natural science?

Natural science is a branch of science that focuses on the study of the physical and natural world. It seeks to understand and explain the laws and principles governing the universe, including subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, and Earth sciences.

What is the scientific method, and why is it important in natural science?

The scientific method is a systematic approach used by scientists to investigate and understand natural phenomena. It involves making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing data to draw conclusions. It is crucial in natural science because it provides a structured way to ensure objectivity and reliability in the pursuit of knowledge.

What is the theory of evolution, and how does it explain the diversity of life on Earth?

The theory of evolution, proposed by Charles Darwin, explains how species change over time through the process of natural selection. It suggests that organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on to their offspring. Over millions of years, this process leads to the diversity of life we see today.

What are the basic principles of physics?

Physics is the study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces that govern the universe. Some basic principles of physics include Newton’s laws of motion (e.g., the law of inertia), the laws of thermodynamics (e.g., conservation of energy), and Einstein’s theory of relativity (e.g., E=mc^2), which revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and gravity.

What is the greenhouse effect, and how does it relate to climate change?

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that occurs when certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping into space. This process helps to keep the planet warm enough to support life. However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, have increased the concentration of these greenhouse gases, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming, which is a major driver of climate change.

Link/cite this page

If you reference any of the content on this page on your own website, please use the code below to cite this page as the original source.

Link will appear as Natural Science Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, September 27, 2023

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

Related Resources