Q1 2.2 Tenets of Nature of Science

Tenets of the Nature of Science

Scientific knowledge is durable yet subject to change.

Scientists use many methods to develop scientific knowledge.

Scientific knowledge is based on evidence.

Scientific theories do not become laws.

Scientific knowledge is a product of observations and inferences.

Science is influenced by society and culture.

Scientific knowledge is durable yet subject to change.

As new evidence emerges, scientific knowledge may change. Click the images below for examples.

Scientific knowledge is a product of observations and inferences.

An observation is something that is noticed through the 5 senses.

An inference is an explanation of what was observed.

Scientists use many methods to develop scientific knowledge.

The scientific method is a basic framework for gaining knowledge. It follows the steps in the image. However, many scientists do not follow these steps in order. They adapt their methods based on the question, tools, or other constraints. For example, in astronomy (the study of space), experiments aren't always possible. Scientists must depend on analyzing data from observations.

Image source: https://www.ck12.org/biology/scientific-method/lesson/Scientific-Investigation-BIO/#x-ck12-QmlvLTAxLTAyLVNjaWVudGlmaWMtSW52ZXN0aWdhdGlvbi0x

Scientific knowledge is based on evidence.

Scientists use evidence to support all their claims. They gather data through experiments, observations, and measurements.

Click on the images below for examples.

Scientific theories do not become laws.

There are often 2 misconceptions about how science works:

1. A theory is a guess about how or why something happens.
2. After a theory has been proven, it becomes a law.

These are both incorrect! Click the buttons below to get a description of each term.

Theory

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Law

Science is influenced by society and culture.

Click each image below to see how science is influenced by society and culture.