The Nature of Science 2010 Virginia Science SOL The following presentation has been created by Linda Peterson, MS Science Specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools for use in the October 2010 Virginia K-12 Science Standards of Learning (SOL) Institutes. Questions and comments can be sent to lkpeterson@fcps.edu Step-by-step instructions for presenters is found in a separate document entitled the “VA State NOS Workshop Planner” ALL of the presentation materials are also available at http://mason.gmu.edu/~lpetersn/nos 2010 Virginia Science SOL

Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science. 

THE NATURAL WORLD IS UNDERSTANDABLE

The Natural World is Understandable The natural world is understandable through the careful collection and critical analysis of empirical evidence. Every discipline in modern science has derived its principles and paradigms through this process. See the step-by-step instructions for presenters in the VA State NOS Workshop Planner Presenter: Slowly read the information below. You do not need to read the sources for the information or quotes as that will break the narrative. Also, see the step-by-step instructions for presenters in the VA State NOS Workshop Planner.   Perhaps the most foundational component of the nature of science is the universal belief that the natural world is understandable through the careful collection and critical analysis of empirical evidence (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1993). Every discipline in modern science has derived its principles and paradigms through this process. Knowing that scientific conclusions are formed in this manner, allows the public “to react thoughtfully to scientific claims and [makes them] less likely to reject them out of hand or accept them uncritically" (AAAS, 1993). Most importantly, this way of thinking precludes the actions of supernatural beings as causative agents of natural phenomena and helps to focus research on testable questions. [clarification note for presenters from Linda P: this is meant to say that the motion of a ball rolling down a ramp is governed by natural laws rather than the actions of ghosts, fairies, or sprites]. “Science is a way of knowing about the natural world. It is limited to explaining the natural world through natural causes.” (AAAS, 1993). For further reference presenters may find the following site helpful.  http://www.project2061.org/publications/sfaa/online/chap1.htm?txtRef=&txtURIOld=%2Ftools%2Fsfaaol%2Fchap1.htm

SCIENCE DEMANDS EVIDENCE

Data can be obtained through experimentation or observation. Science Demands Evidence Scientific knowledge involves a combination of observations and inferences. Scientists use data to make inferences and formulate explanations of phenomena. Data can be obtained through experimentation or observation.

The myth of the scientific method Scientists apply various methods in doing research. There is no universally accepted scientific method agreed upon by the scientific community. Science does demand that evidence be empirically collected and analyzed.

SCIENCE IS A BLEND OF LOGIC AND IMAGINATION

Science is a Blend of Logic and Imagination Scientific knowledge involves human imagination, creativity, and inference. Much of the scientific enterprise is governed by the ability and creativity of scientists to visualize different situations and predict outcomes.  

SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IS DURABLE

Scientific Knowledge is Durable Scientific ideas are continually tested. Ideas that are able to withstand the scrutiny of the scientific community form the foundations of our current understandings of the natural world and how it functions.

Theories and laws. Theories and laws are two different types of knowledge used by scientists to describe natural phenomena. They are equal in terms of scientific validity. Theories are generally used to explain complex natural processes not easily quantifiable. Laws often use mathematical formulas to show relationships and make predictions about the natural world.

SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Scientific Ideas are Subject to Change The drive to elucidate the finer points of a commonly held scientific paradigm is what “normal science” is all about. The sensitive instruments developed to elucidate the finer points of a paradigm help to uncover ambiguities in the expected data. These may lead to changes in our understanding. Although subject to gradual refinement, “the main body of scientific knowledge is very stable and grows by being corrected slowly and having its boundaries extended gradually.”

SCIENTISTS ATTEMPT TO AVOID BIAS

Scientists Try to Identify and Avoid Bias Since scientists within the same field tend to share common methodologies and views, their objectivity must continually be challenged to ensure validity of results. Within the scientific community there are ethical practices which guarantee that scientific endeavors are carried out under universally accepted standards around the world.

SCIENCE IS A COMPLEX SOCIAL ACTIVITY

Science is a Complex Social Activity Scientific knowledge is tied to social and cultural factors. Scientific research is dependent upon financial support, and this can influence - both positively and negatively - which areas are investigated.

The Nature of Science The natural world is understandable Science demands evidence Science is a blend of logic and imagination Scientific knowledge is durable Scientific knowledge is subject to change Scientists attempt to identify and avoid bias Science is a complex social activity

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