Subject
The natural sciences build and test models of how the physical and living world works. Their central objects are mechanisms, measurements, and mathematical relationships, and their central habit is revising those models when evidence demands it. Mettica presents scientific ideas through the models behind them, so a law is understood as a structure, not a slogan.
Structured lessons for natural sciences are being designed. The disciplines and connections below show how this subject will be organized.
Disciplines
5 disciplines. Each is listed under one subject for browsing, and many connect to others.
Matter, energy, forces, and spacetime, from subatomic particles to flowing fluids.
Classical mechanics · Electromagnetism & optics · Thermodynamics & statistical mechanics · Quantum physics …
Related: Formal Sciences
The composition, structure, and reactions of substances.
Physical chemistry · Inorganic chemistry · Organic chemistry · Analytical chemistry …
Related: Applied Sciences
Living systems from molecules and cells to organisms, evolution, and ecosystems.
Biochemistry & molecular biology · Cell & developmental biology · Genetics & genomics · Microbiology …
Related: Social Sciences · Applied Sciences
The solid Earth, oceans, atmosphere, and climate, and their long history.
Geology & mineralogy · Geophysics & seismology · Atmospheric science · Oceanography …
Related: Social Sciences
Stars, galaxies, planets, and the origin and structure of the universe.
Observational astronomy · Astrophysics · Cosmology · Planetary science …
Connections
These concepts pass through natural sciences and continue into other fields.
Invariance under transformation: formalized as a group, tied to conservation laws, used in structural design and artistic composition, and debated as a question about sameness.
What it means for one thing to bring about another: analyzed by philosophers, formalized in causal models, tested in experiments, and inferred from social data.
A fitting relationship among parts: heard in music, explained by acoustics, and expressed as numerical ratio.
Outputs that loop back to change the system producing them: control in engineering, homeostasis in biology, self-reinforcing cycles in markets and societies, and stability in dynamical systems.
Depth
Lessons in this domain will follow Mettica’s depth model, from first orientation to research-level questions.
Level 1
Orient the learner before requiring specialized vocabulary.
Level 2
Make distinctions and relationships explicit.
Level 3
Introduce the technical representation appropriate to the field.
Level 4
Expose complexity rather than conceal it.
