Science is all around us. It explains the physical reality around us and also what's happening outside our realm of senses. For example, why do we feel the earth under our feet, rather than being flung out into space? Why does the sun move across the sky? How does a solar eclipse arise? How are we struck by pain when we touch something hot? Why do we feel hungry when the aroma of our favourite dish wafts to our nostrils?

Science has provided us with a consistent explanation for these sensations, phenomena, and so much more; in doing so, it has unravelled some fundamental principles and laws of nature. These laws, which have been primarily discovered through both empirical observation and experimental testing, gave us insight on how the material world contains surprising correlations between structure and function.

Some examples of natural occurrences in this regard are the ability of plants to make their food, the ability of fish to move and breathe underwater, and the ability of migratory birds to fly in the air in the right direction. Add to this the remarkable organisation that underpins birth and maintenance of life.

The gift of life cannot be dismissed as a serendipitous divine act with no scientific basis. Religious texts like the Quran have presented highly accurate reflections of the science behind it. Other religious texts have pondered on the constituents of matter, energy and the cosmos with a blend of scientific and philosophical reasoning. Elements of these ideas have impacted the scientific revolution that began at the end of the Renaissance period in Europe in the 18th century.

The practical side of science is evident to everyone with inventions such as the electric bulb, the microwave oven, the refrigerator, and the automobile. Factories use robots to handle complicated or hazardous jobs. Electronic chips enable paralysed patients to move prosthetic limbs with the power of thought. Vaccines can be developed to protect people against diseases. Undoubtedly, these are compelling testimonies to the power of science.

Science drives technology. The information technology that has us engulfed is the result of our ongoing scientific experimentation in electronics. Our advances in science and technology have given us modern gadgets such as tablets, television, mobile phones and laptops. The widespread use of these has made us into a connected world.

Science continues to push the frontiers of our knowledge. Very soon, our genes can be manipulated to alter our inherited characteristics, and we may be able to go on routine flights into space.

Clearly, we are here thanks to our curiosity and thirst for knowledge and our pursuit of the understanding of the universe through science. Indeed, human questing has made us unique; we are given to wonder, to seek answers. Science is a means through which man can satisfy his eternal quest.

Fields of science are commonly classified along two major lines:

• Natural Sciences, which study natural phenomena; and

• Social Sciences, which study human behaviour and societies.

Both are empirical sciences; this means the knowledge must be based on observable phenomena that can be tested for its validity by other researchers. Central to modern-day scientific investigation is the scientific method, comprising the purpose, background research, hypothesis, experimental design, analysis of experimental data, and conclusion.

Often, our introduction to science at school has strictly been along the disciplinary lines of physics, chemistry and biology. This leads us to retain compartmentalised fragments of knowledge without the conscious effort to connect them in a meaningful manner. Worse still, many students shy away from science because of initial difficulties grasping with concepts in a particular discipline. Invariably the subject happens to be physics because of its higher mathematics content. A holistic introduction to science would have nurtured the flames of curiosity and the passion for exploring many of its most exciting frontiers that lie outside the school curriculum. An early broadened vision of science may even be conducive to foster lateral thinking and sow the seeds of creativity in young minds.

Recognising the shortcomings above, and the alarmingly declining interest in science among school students, the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) has embarked on a series of articles by its members in the public domain on various subjects. These articles are written in a manner aimed at demystifying science and its jargons so that they appeal to a broader audience.

This piece serves as an introduction to this initiative.

-- BERNAMA

Academician Professor Emeritus Dato' Dr V G Kumar Das has offered his views solely in his private capacity and they do not in any way represent the views of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia.