The Nature of Science
The Practice of Science | Brain Pop & Bill Nye (watch) |
Video (watch) |
Game (try this out) |
Information (read) |
Evaluate a scientific investigation using evidence of scientific thinking and/or problem solving. | Brain Pop – Scientific Method | Science review games | Graphs (problem, data and how it’s graphed) Scientific Method Chart |
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Identify test variables (independent variables) and/or outcome variables (dependent variables) in a given scientific investigation. | Bill Nye – Do it Yourself Science | Variable Game (click anywhere to start, click TEST ME for directions – change the variables to see if you can catch BLASTO) | ||
Interpret and/or analyze data to make predictions and/or defend conclusions. | ||||
Distinguish between an experiment and other types of scientific investigations where variables cannot be controlled. | Bill Nye – Pseudoscience | |||
Explain how hypotheses are valuable. | Science & Nature Questions | |||
Identify the benefits and/or limitations of the use of scientific models. | ||||
Identify how technology is essential to science. | Bill Nye Inventions | School House Rock – Mother of Necessity | ||
Describe and/or analyze common methods and/or models used in different fields of study. | SEE MOVIE BELOW | Scientific Method Study Guide |
The Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge | Brain Pop & Bill Nye (watch) |
Video (watch) |
Game (try this out) |
Information (read) |
Explain that scientific knowledge may change as new evidence is discovered or new scientific interpretations are formed. | Ideas in Science | |||
Explain that scientific explanations are based on empirical evidence, logical reasoning, predictions, and modeling. | empirical – findings are measurable and can be tested | |||
Identify instances in the history of science in which scientific knowledge has changed as a result of new evidence. |
The Role of Theories, Laws, Hypotheses, and Models | Brain Pop & Bill Nye (watch) |
Video (watch) |
Game (try this out) |
Information (read) |
Explain the difference between theories and laws. (identify examples of theories and/or laws) | Is Gravity a theory or a law? | |||
Explain why theories may be modified but are rarely discarded. | Redi’s Experiment | Examples: law of universal gravitation, law of superposition, theory of plate tectonics, atomic theory, law of conservation of mass, law of conservation of energy, cell theory, and the scientific theory of evolution. |