What word is used to describe knowledge about the universe and the method of obtaining that knowledge?

Science and the method is the scientific process.

Science is the pursuit of knowledge and discovery from and to describe the unknown.
Scientific models, paradigms and theories are used widely by most scientist as to serve possible predictions, testing hypotheses, providing explicit answers and even saving human lives. These models are the simple paradigms that shapes and at the most provide clarity to the unknown. 

What is the question? if you were looking to design a method of separating something, you can separate this compound by putting both in water and allowing the water to dissolve the sugar. then pour it into another beaker and evaporate it then boom! salt and sugar : )