Unit 1: Nature of Science
Unit
Essential
Question:
Why is Science an ongoing and continuous process that is open for change?
Lesson Essential Question 1
Why is the use of scientific inquiry a sensible approach
to the study of science?
SC.912.N.1.2, SC.912.N.1.3, SC.912.N.2.2,
SC.912.N.2.4,
Lesson 1 Vocabulary
Experiment, science, scientific inquiry,
hypothesis, variables, control, data
Lesson Essential Question 2
Why is it important for scientific investigations to be
replicable?
SC.912.N.1.1, SC.912.N.1.4, SC.912.N.1.5,
SC.912N.1.6,
Lesson 2 Vocabulary
Replication, repetition,
Lesson Essential Question 3
How would you explain the difference between a
scientific theory and a scientific law?
SC.912.N.3.1, SC.912.N.3.2, SC.912.N.3.3,
SC.912.N.3.4,
Lesson Essential Question 4
How can you describe the benefits and limits to
models and other fields of science?
SC.912.N.3.5
Lesson Essential Question 5
Lesson 3 Vocabulary
Scientific Law, Scientific theory,
Lesson 4 Vocabulary
Scientific model
Lesson 5 Vocabulary
How is science different from other fields of study?
SC.912.N.1.7, SC.912.N.2.2, SC.912.N.2.5,
Lesson Essential Question 6
How does science affect our lives?
SC.912.N.4.1, SC.912.N.4.2,
Lesson 6 Vocabulary
Lesson Essential Question 7
Lesson 7 Vocabulary
What is the difference between science and
pseudoscience?
SC.9.12.N.2.1, SC.912.N.2.2, SC.912.N.2.3,
pseudoscience
Major Unit Assignment
Students will demonstrate their understanding of the nature of science by completing the
steps of a scientific experiment. Students will use the Sumter County Schools Experimental
Design to answer a question or solve a problem with a clear purpose for investigation.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Identify a question or problem concerning life science.
Explain the purpose of investigating this question or problem.
Conduct background research on the topic, listing your findings in a bibliography.
Develop a testable hypothesis in an “If, then, because” statement.
Create a specific bulleted list of materials needed for the experiment.
Write out detailed procedures for how to do the experiment and how to analyze the
data. Include any safety concerns.
7. Records all observations and data from the experiment in charts, graphs or tables.
8. Evaluate the results of the experiment.
9. Construct an argument using the evidence to explain if the results support or do not
support the hypothesis and write a conclusion statement.
10. Share the project in the school science fair or in the class.