The Nature of Science Investigating Key Ideas Related

The Nature of Science Investigating Key Ideas Related to NOS

Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science. 2

THE NATURAL WORLD IS UNDERSTANDABLE 3

The Natural World is Understandable The natural world is understandable through the careful collection and critical analysis of evidence. Every branch of modern science has developed its principles and explanations through this process. 4

SCIENCE DEMANDS EVIDENCE 7

Science Demands Evidence Scientific knowledge involves a blend of observations and inferences. Scientists use data to make inferences and formulate explanations of phenomena. Data can be obtained through experimentation or observation. 8

The myth of the scientific method Scientists apply various methods in doing research. There is no standard accepted scientific method agreed upon by all scientists. Scientists do agree that measurable evidence must be collected analyzed, however. 9

SCIENCE IS A BLEND OF LOGIC AND IMAGINATION 11

Science is a Blend of Logic and Imagination Scientific knowledge involves human imagination, creativity, and inference. Scientists often use their creativity to visualize different situations and predict outcomes. 12

SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IS DURABLE 14

Scientific Knowledge is Durable Scientific ideas are continually tested. Ideas that are able to withstand repeated testing form the foundation of our current knowledge of the natural world and how it works. 15

Theories and laws are two different types of knowledge used by scientists to describe natural phenomena. Theories are generally used to explain complex natural processes not easily measurable. Laws often use mathematical formulas to show relationships and make predictions about the natural world. 16

SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE 17

Scientific Ideas are Subject to Change The drive to explain the finer points of a commonly held scientific concept is what “normal science” is all about. The sensitive instruments developed to test the finer points help to uncover inconsistencies in the expected data. These “unexpected results” may lead to changes in our understanding. Although subject to refinement, “the main body of scientific knowledge is very stable and grows by being corrected gradually. ” 18

SCIENTISTS ATTEMPT TO AVOID BIAS 21

Scientists Try to Identify and Avoid Bias Scientists within the same field tend to share common methods and views, so their objectivity must continually be challenged to ensure validity of results. Scientists around the world follow strict rules designed to ensure that investigations are carried out in an ethical and objective manner. 22

SCIENCE IS A COMPLEX SOCIAL ACTIVITY 24

Science is a Complex Social Activity Scientific knowledge is influenced by social and cultural factors. Scientific research is dependent upon financial support, which can influence - both positively and negatively - which areas are investigated. 25

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 27

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