Scientific laws, theories, concepts and methods undergo changes over time. Theories are formulated to explain and make sense of what we observe. These theories are changed and replaced by newer theories when more sophisticated observations are made or scientists look at existing theories from a new perspective. Scientists understand that there are few absolute truths and that changing ethical frameworks and methods, over time, influence the development of science.
There are many scientific laws and theories that have not been changed significantly since their inception, such as the law of conservation of mass, energy laws and cell theory. Much scientific research is about applying existing scientific theories to new contexts, shown through Einstein’s thought experiments that took a century for the evidence to support them to be observed, measured and confirmed.
Students explore historic and cultural observations, the way scientific research has changed over time, and how ethical frameworks have influenced this process. They consider philosophical arguments in relation to the nature of science to deepen their understanding and refine their own views of and about science.
Inquiry question: How have philosophical arguments influenced the development of modern scientific research?
Students:
– post – 49000 BCE, exemplified by Aboriginal cultures
– pre – 1500 CE, exemplified by Greek and Egyptian cultures and those of the Asia region
– Lavoisier and oxygen
– Einstein and general relativity
– Wegener and continental drift, leading to plate tectonics
– McClintock and transposable elements, commonly known as ‘jumping genes’
Inquiry question: What currently influences scientific thinking?
Students:
analyse the current influences on scientific thinking, including but not limited to:
– economic
– political
– global
analyse the influence of ethical frameworks on scientific research over time, including but not limited to:
– human experimentation
– experimentation on animals
– biobanks
– use of research data