A. Nature of Science
......Nature of Science Menu
The scientifically literate person understands the nature of science and scientific knowledge.
Science is both public and private. Science experiences should introduce students to the private and intuitive aspects of scientific inquiry and discovery as well as to the more formal public aspects of science.
The nature of scientific knowledge is such that it is:
Science is based on evidence, developed privately by individuals or groups, that is shared publicly with others. This provides other individuals with the opportunity to attempt to establish the validity and reliability of the evidence.
Examples:
After scientists have gathered and organized evidence for their ideas, they publish the evidence and the methods by which it was obtained, so that other scientists may test the validity and reliability of the evidence.
When Pons and Fleischman withheld some of the evidence and procedures for their cold-fusion discovery in order to protect their claims for patent, the principle of public disclosure was violated.
Past scientific knowledge should be viewed in its historical context and not be degraded on the basis of present knowledge.
Examples:
Each refinement of the model of the atom by Thompson, Rutherford, Bohr, and the quantum theorists has relied on the previous work of others.
Selective breeding of corn by the Indian peoples of North America produced a high quality food plant.
A3 holistic D(K-12)
All branches of science are interrelated.
Example:
The structure of molecules is a topic of interest for physicists, chemists, and biologists.
A4 replicable P(K-2), D(3-12) * (footnote)
Science is based on evidence which could be obtained by other people working in a different place and at a different time under similar conditions.
Examples:
Any procedure which is repeated should give similar results.
A group of students all perform the same experiment and discover similarities in their results.
A5 empirical P(K-2), D(3-12)
Scientific knowledge is based on experimentation or observation.
Examples:
The gravitational field strength of the Earth can be determined in the laboratory.
Scientific theories must always be tested experimentally.
A6 probabilistic P(2-8), D(9-12)
Science does not make absolute predictions or explanations.
Examples:
An electron orbital is a region in space where there is the greatest likelihood of finding an electron.
A weather forecaster predicts a 20% chance of precipitation tomorrow.
A7 unique P(3-7), D(8-12)
The nature of scientific knowledge and the procedures for generating new scientific knowledge are unique and different from those in other fields of knowledge such as philosophy.
Examples:
Compare the methods used for weather forecasting by meteorologists and those used by the people producing the forecasts for the Farmer's Almanac.
Compare Galileo's experimental approach to investigating the rate at which heavy and light objects fall and Aristotle's approach, based on reason alone.
A8 tentative P(6), D(7-12)
Scientific knowledge is subject to change. It does not claim to be truth in an absolute and final sense. This does not lessen the value of knowledge for the scientifically literate person.
Example:
As new data become available, theories are modified to encompass the new and the old data. Our understanding of atomic structure has changed considerably for this reason.
A9 human/culture related P(6-9), D(10-12)
Scientific knowledge is a product of humankind. It involves creative imagination. The knowledge is shaped by and from concepts that are a product of culture.
Examples:
Vertebrates, and specifically humans, are regarded as being at the pinnacle of evolution by some people.
The use of biotechnology has resulted in changes in rapeseed to remove erucic acid. This has led to the development of improved varieties of canola oil for human consumption.