Q1 2.2 Tenets of Nature of Science

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Scientists use many methods to develop scientific knowledge.

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Scientific knowledge is based on evidence.

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Scientific knowledge is a product of observations and inferences.

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Scientific knowledge is durable yet subject to change.

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Scientific theories do not become laws.

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Science is influenced by society and culture.

Tenets of the Nature of Science

Scientific knowledge is durable yet subject to change.

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

Ancient cultures believed that the Earth was flat. Observations of Earth's shadow on the Moon during lunar eclipses showed it was spherical.

It used to be believed that heavier objects fall faster than lighter ones. Galileo's experiments gave evidence that all objects fall at the same rate in a vacuum. A vacuum is a space in which there is no matter (not even gasses.)

Scientific knowledge is a product of observations and inferences.

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

An inference is an explanation of what was observed.

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Scientists use many methods to develop scientific knowledge.

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

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.

2

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.

Claim: Earth's crust is divided into plates that move over time. Evidence: Matching fossils and rock formations on distant continents, patterns of magnetic stripes on the ocean floor, and earthquake and volcanic activity along plate boundaries.

Claim: All living things are made up of cells. Evidence: Scientists have observed cells making up all living things with microscopes and have successfully grown cells in experiments.

Claim: Vaccines prevent diseases by simulating the immune system. Evidence: Real-world data shows reductions in diseases like polio, measles, and influenza after vaccination programs.

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

Law

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A law describes what happens under certain conditions. It does not explain why it happens. Example: Newton's laws of motion describe what the relationships are between forces and motion, but do not explain the "why" or "how" behind them.

A theory is an evidence-based explanation for an aspect of the natural world. They explain how or why certain phenomena occur. Example: The theory of evolution explains how species change over time.

Science is influenced by society and culture.

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

Funding and political influence also affect science. Governments and organizations often provide funding for specific research projects.

Societal needs often determine what scientists study. For example, scientific resources are used to develop technologies like radar or weaponry during times of war.

The values and beliefs of a culture can also determine what is researched and how scientific findings are applied. For example, Indigenous cultures often prioritize ecological harmony, leading to more research in sustainable environmental practices.