Middle School Science - The Nature of Science

The Nature of Science

Helping students understand the Nature of Science

Science is more than just a body of knowledge; it is the process of discovering new knowledge. Therefore, science education needs to involve more than just memorizing what scientists have already figured out. Students also need to learn about the processes that scientists use to generate new understandings about the universe. In other words, it involves understanding the Nature of Science.

The Nature of Science is what distinguishes science from other methods of knowing such as art, philosophy, or social science. The Nature of Science includes understanding that while scientific knowledge is based on empirical evidence, it is also subject to change based on new evidence. Science is a human endeavor that requires creativity, but also objectivity.

The Nature of Science is further delineated into three big ideas:

The Practice of Science
The Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge
The Roles of Theories, Laws, Hypotheses, and Models.

Scientists engage in activities to learn about the universe. They formulate questions and construct ways to investigate those questions. They collect and evaluate data, engage in argumentation, and develop explanations and communicate their findings. Rather than there being a set sequence to these activities, scientists engage in them on an “as needed” basis. One way to think of these activities is as a set of tools in a scientist’s toolbox that they pull out and use when appropriate.

There are many ways that students can learn about the Nature of Science, but research on student learning has shown that students develop this understanding best by actually “doing science” in the same way scientists do. This approach to science learning helps students understand the Nature of Science and is particularly useful in developing an understanding of scientific concepts themselves.

Ted Willard - eSchools News

The Practice of Science

UC Berkeley: Sciecne 101 - Learn what Science is, how it works, and how it connects to your life

The Importance of Measurement: Videos & Activity Collections

Units of Measurement Video Channel - Employ the appropriate tools and units to measure distance, weight, volume, and more. By using established units of measurement, people can communicate with one another and determine solutions to everyday problems. Two primary systems of measurement are used today: standard and metric. The more you learn about measurement, the better you can build, bake, and calculate!

How to Measure Introduction Video - Introduces units of length and explains how to measure the length of an object.
History of the Metric System Video

How to: Videos & Activity Collections

Science Safety: Videos & Activity Collections

The Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge

UC Berkeley: Sciecne 101 - Learn what Science is, how it works, and how it connects to your life

Thinking Like A Scientist

Nature of Science Knowledge Channel - Assess the nature of scientific knowledge. Scientific knowledge is based on rational thinking, observations, and experiments. Scientific ideas have changed over time as scientists investigate new questions, develop new technologies, and expand on the work of their predecessors. Chart the development of scientific knowledge in fields such as medicine, atomic theory, and evolution.

PBS Science Practices and the Nature of Science - takes a deep look at scientific methods, systems, and thinking. Additional topics include the limitations of science, and building hypotheses. Includes videos, interactive lessons, Interactives, images and lesson plans

Observation / Inference

Claim - Evidence - Reasoning

Science Data

Data Analysis Channel - Discover the depths of data analysis! Data are facts and statistics collected together for analysis and reference. Data becomes information when it is analyzed, interpreted, and shared. When you analyze data, you figure out what it means. Data analysis includes making and interpreting different kinds of graphs, plots, or diagrams. It also means taking and comparing measures of center and variability and explaining how data can be used to draw inferences, justify conclusions, and make decisions.

Data Representation Channel - Represent and interpret data in the form of graphs, charts, pictures, equations, and more. Data representations can reveal patterns, help make predictions, and show trends. Use data representations to make choices and solve problems both in science and math scenarios and in everyday life.

Qualitative and Quantitative Data

Data as Information Video

Variables

Reading Graphs and Data Tables

Errors and Outliers

Communicating Like a Scientist

Communication in Science Channel - Communicate the results of experiments and observations through reports and visual data representations like tables, graphs, and charts. Communication is the final step in the scientific method, the process by which scientists make discoveries. For new knowledge to change existing theories, technologies, and methods, it must be available and comprehensible to others. Determining the best way to present and communicate results is critical to advancing scientific knowledge.

Controversial Topics & Misinformation

Controversy is a core part of the scientific enterprise. As citizens, we must constantly navigate different perspectives and make sense of conflicting arguments on issues that impact our everyday lives. However, in our schools we have often been reluctant to engage students in the examination of controversial topics in science. Being able to reason about and act on controversial science topics is fundamental to being scientifically literate. Learning how to teach such topics will help ensure that students are equipped to participate fully in our democracy.

Critical Skills for Navigating Science Information in Media - SIFT

Evaluating Resources and Misinformation
Share of Snooze Quiz - Is your information from a credible source?
The SIFT Method - a four-step strategy for evaluating online sources and spotting misinformation,
SHIFT Analysis Worksheet

The Role of Theories, Laws, Hypotheses, and Models

UC Berkeley: Sciecne 101 - Learn what Science is, how it works, and how it connects to your life

Science at Multiple Levels - Science Hypotheses, Theories & Laws

Patterns and Sequences Channel - Recognize patterns and sequences in the world around you. By identifying a pattern, you can predict outcome of an event or calculation, find an approximate answer, or discover a method to solve a problem. Patterns of numbers and shapes are found in nature. These patterns help scientists understand genetics, the structure of organisms, and the growth of populations. Observe the patterns you see every day to formulate questions and hypotheses.

Science Hypotheses

Question and Hypothesis Video
Predictions - Developing Testable Hypotheses - Students examine data and hypothesize about what the data can tell them

Science Theories

Scientific Theory Activity - In this activity, students work in small groups to collaboratively analyze statements about scientific theories to differentiate between statements of a theory and evidence that supports a theory.
Even Theories Change - Science is always a work in progress, and even theories change

Science Law

What is a Law?