Transcript Big Idea 2 : The Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge

Big Idea 2 : The
Characteristics of Scientific
Knowledge
Description
A: Scientific knowledge is based on empirical evidence, and
is appropriate for understanding the natural world; but it
provides only a limited understanding of the supernatural,
aesthetic, or other ways of knowing, such as art, philosophy,
or religion.
B: Scientific knowledge is durable and robust but open to
change.
C: Because science is based on empirical evidence scientists
strive for objectivity. But as it is a human endeavor the
processes, methods, and knowledge of science include
subjectivity, as well as creativity and discovery.
Benchmark Number &
Descriptor
• SC.6.N.2.1
• Distinguish science from other activities
involving thought.
• SC.6.N.2.2
• Explain that scientific knowledge is durable
because it is open to change as new
evidence or interpretations are encountered.
• SC.6.N.2.3
• Recognize that scientists who make
contributions to scientific knowledge come
from all kinds of backgrounds and possess
varied talents, interests, and goals.
WHAT IS
SCIENCE?
WHAT IS SCIENCE?
Major
Characteristics
Why Science is
Important?
• Science is a work in
progress.
• Science conclusions are
well-defined and factual.
• Science requires efforts at
objectivity.
• Science assumes that the
Laws of Nature are
universal.
• Science demands the
honest use of the scientific
method.
• Science is
everywhere in the
world.
• Advances in
science are
changing our world.
• View this website:
http://whyscience.co.u
k/
WHAT SCIENCE IS
NOT!
• Science cannot make moral or aesthetic decisions.
• Science is not individualistic.
• Science doesn't have to be beautiful or aesthetically
satisfying, or even emotionally satisfying unlike other
sciences.
• Science is not certain; ideas can change as new
evidence is presented.
• Science is not technology but instead uses and
sometimes creates it.
• Science is not a religion; it varies in approaches and
methods.
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
1. What is meant by the phrase,
“science is a work in progress”?
2. Give an example of how science
is changing our world.
3. Give an example of the phrase,
“Science is not certain; ideas can
change as new evidence is
presented.”
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
1.
2.
3.
What is meant by the phrase, “science is a work in
progress?” Science is based on theory and when
new evidence is presented, ideas may be changed.
Give an example of how science is changing our
world. New medicines are produced as a form of
science investigations.
Give an example of the phrase, “Science is not
certain; ideas can change as new evidence is
presented.” The geocentric theory stood for many
years until Galileo brought about the heliocentric
theory.
ARE YOU SURE?
OPEN TO CHANGE
• In order to make new discoveries
and theories, science must
always be open minded.
• Everyday new evidence is
discovered and old ideas are
questioned.
OPEN TO CHANGE
• If new discoveries are made, an
entire theory does not necessarily
need to be thrown out.
– Theories can be modified to take
into account new information.
• As a result of the open-mindness
of science, statements and
theories can never be said to be
the absolute truth.
OPEN TO CHANGE
• SUMMARY:
– We know that those theories will probably
be refined in the future, and some of them
may even be discarded in favor of theories
that make more sense in light of data
generated by future scientists. However,
our present theories are our best available
explanations of the world. They explain,
and have been tested against, a vast
amount of information.
http://www.gly.uga.edu/railsback/1122scien
ce2.html#SCIANDCHANGE
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
1. Why is science open to change?
2. What if new evidence is
discovered and does not fit an
already published theory?
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
1. Why is science open to change?
New discoveries are made daily
as technology progresses.
2. What if new evidence is
discovered and does not fit an
already published theory?
Theories can be modified if new
evidence fits.
WHO MAKES ALL
THESE
THEORIES?
Scientists
• Science is a way of thinking about
something.
• Science does not have to take
place in a laboratory.
• There are no limits of who can be
a scientist nor is there a definite
picture.
Scientists
• There are diverse fields of
science. http://www.ischool.org/studentpages/web_
design_07/Dianna/typesofscience.htm
• Examples:
– Physics- the study of matter, energy, space, star wars, time and
their interactions
– Chemistry- the study of reactions, creations, and binding of
matter
– Biology- the study of living things such as dust bunnies
– Astronomy- the study of anything beyond Earth including
Martians
– Geology- the study of Earth and its tummy grumblings
– Microbiology- the study of very small attackers
Scientists
• Check this site to see examples of
some famous scientists.
• http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/sci
entists/