The word science comes from the Latin 'scientia', meaning knowledge or knowing. Science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge. This system uses observation and experimentation to describe and explain natural phenomena. Less formally, the word science often describes any systematic field of study or the knowledge gained from it.

Perhaps the best way to describe the purpose of science is that it produces useful models of reality. Most scientific investigations use some form of the scientific method. This method - also known as pure science - applies both science and natural philosophy and was first directly used in the late eighteenth century. It was earlier developed during the Middle Ages and early modern period in Europe and the Middle East.

Applied science refers to the application of research to human needs. Fields of science are commonly classified along two major lines - natural sciences, the study of the natural world, and social sciences, the systematic study of human behaviour and society.

Some examples of the many, many different possible fields of study within science include biology, environment, space, astronomy and mathematics. There are infinite scientific fields which overlap to some degree with one or more other areas.

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