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Nature of science

Grade Level(s):

  • 6-8
  • 9-12
  • General

Source:

  • UC Museum of Paleontology

Resource type:

  • Tutorial

Time: 20-30 minutes

Overview

Understanding how science works allows one to easily distinguish science from non-science. Thus, to understand biological evolution, or any other science, it is essential to begin with the nature of science.

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  • [Nature of science: Grades 6-8] Science focuses on natural phenomena and processes. (NOS8)
  • [Nature of science: Grades 6-8] Scientific knowledge is open to question and revision as we come up with new ideas and discover new evidence. (P6, NOS3)
  • [Nature of science: Grades 6-8] Scientists test their ideas using multiple lines of evidence.
  • [Nature of science: Grades 6-8] The real process of science is complex, iterative, and can take many different paths.
  • [Nature of science: Grades 6-8] Accepted scientific theories are not tenuous; they must survive rigorous testing and be supported by multiple lines of evidence to be accepted. (NOS4)
  • [Nature of science: Grades 6-8] Science is a human endeavor. (NOS7)
  • [Nature of science: Grades 9-12] Science focuses on natural phenomena and processes.
  • [Nature of science: Grades 9-12] Scientific knowledge is open to question and revision as we come up with new ideas and discover new evidence. (P4, P6, NOS3)
  • [Nature of science: Grades 9-12] Scientists test their ideas using multiple lines of evidence. (P6, NOS2)
  • [Nature of science: Grades 9-12] Scientists use multiple research methods (experiments, observational research, comparative research, and modeling) to collect data. (P2, P3, P4, NOS1)
  • [Nature of science: Grades 9-12] The real process of science is complex, iterative, and can take many different paths.
  • [Nature of science: Grades 9-12] Accepted scientific theories are not tenuous; they must survive rigorous testing and be supported by multiple lines of evidence to be accepted. (NOS2, NOS4)
  • [Nature of science: Grades 9-12] Science is a human endeavor. (NOS7)
  • NOS Matrix understanding category 1. Scientific investigations use a variety of methods.
  • NOS Matrix understanding category 2. Scientific knowledge is based on empirical evidence.
  • NOS Matrix understanding category 3. Scientific knowledge is open to revision in light of new evidence.
  • NOS Matrix understanding category 4. Scientific models, laws, mechanisms, and theories explain natural phenomena.
  • NOS Matrix understanding category 7. Science is a human endeavor.
  • NOS Matrix understanding category 8. Science addresses questions about the natural and material world.
  • Science and Engineering Practice 2. Developing and using models
  • Science and Engineering Practice 3. Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Science and Engineering Practice 4. Analyzing and interpreting data
  • Science and Engineering Practice 6. Constructing explanations and designing solutions

Student learning could be enhanced by classroom discussion in which the concepts in this lesson are applied to specific examples.