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.
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THE NATURAL WORLD IS
UNDERSTANDABLE
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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.
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SCIENCE DEMANDS
EVIDENCE
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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.
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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 and analyzed, however.
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SCIENCE IS A BLEND OF
LOGIC AND IMAGINATION
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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
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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.
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Theories and laws.
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.
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SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IS
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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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.”
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SCIENTISTS ATTEMPT TO AVOID
BIAS
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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
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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.
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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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