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?

Major Characteristics 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. Why Science is Important? Science is everywhere in the world. Advances in science are changing our world. View this website: 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.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. 2.Give an example of how science is changing our world. New medicines are produced as a form of science investigations. 3.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. 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. Examples: –Physics- the study of matter, energy, space, star wars, time and their interactionsPhysics –Chemistry- the study of reactions, creations, and binding of matterChemistry –Biology- the study of living things such as dust bunniesBiology –Astronomy- the study of anything beyond Earth including MartiansAstronomy –Geology- the study of Earth and its tummy grumblingsGeology –Microbiology- the study of very small attackersMicrobiology design_07/Dianna/typesofscience.htm

Scientists Check this site to see examples of some famous scientists. entists/ entists/