Module 1: Nature of Scientific Knowledge

A process that involves collecting and analyzing data to draw conclusions. It also includes understanding the nature of scientific inquiry, such as the importance of starting with a question and understanding that there is no single scientific method.

The characteristics of scientific knowledge, which include aspects like the empirical basis, human creativity, subjectivity, and the ever-changing nature of scientific understanding.

The confusion between the Nature of Scientific Knowledge (NOSK) and the process of scientific inquiry. This can lead to misunderstandings about how scientific knowledge is developed.

The ability to understand and use scientific knowledge to make informed decisions about various issues in life. It involves understanding both the scientific knowledge itself and the processes by which it is produced.

A balance between the three key components of science education: the body of scientific knowledge, the process of scientific inquiry, and the understanding of the nature of scientific knowledge.

The body of scientific knowledge that is taught and learned in schools.

The practices or methods scientists use to conduct research and generate new knowledge.

A project launched in 1985 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) with the goal of promoting science literacy in all Americans, especially by the year 2061.

A set of guidelines developed by Project 2061 that outline what students should know and be able to do in science, math, and technology at various grade levels.

The report published by Project 2061 in 1989 that established a framework for teaching science in a way that makes it relevant and accessible to all students.

The event that triggered a significant increase in funding for science education in the United States, leading to a focus on producing a scientifically literate workforce.

The primary reasons behind the increased government funding for science education after Sputnik, driven by a desire to maintain national security and economic competitiveness.

The belief that science education should aim to help people use scientific knowledge to make informed decisions in real-world situations.

The challenge of defining what constitutes scientific literacy, as educators struggle to agree on a precise and universally accepted definition.

A person's ability to engage in STEM-related issues, applying knowledge and skills to understand the world and solve problems.

Understanding the core principles and approaches of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The impact of STEM disciplines on how we live, think, and interact with the world.

The willingness to actively participate in discussions and solutions involving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

A controversial debate: whether STEM is a separate discipline or an integrated curriculum.

Challenges with connecting STEM subjects due to their distinct ways of investigating and acquiring knowledge.

Using a real-world problem as a starting point, it combines STEM knowledge with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The process of applying STEM knowledge in real-world situations.

Science is a way of knowing and understanding the natural world. It involves gathering evidence through observation, experimentation, and analysis, and then using this evidence to construct explanations. Science is a dynamic process that is constantly evolving as new discoveries are made.

Science is a body of knowledge that includes facts, concepts, laws, and theories. It's not just about memorizing facts, but understanding how these ideas link together to create a coherent picture of the natural world.

Scientific inquiry is how scientists investigate the world around them. This process involves asking questions, designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results.

The nature of scientific knowledge (NOSK) refers to the characteristics of scientific knowledge, such as its tentativeness, its being based on evidence, and its being subject to change.

Scientific inquiry is a process that involves asking questions, designing investigations, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results. It's a hands-on way to learn about the world and to develop scientific thinking skills.

Scientific inquiry is important because it helps us understand the world around us. It also allows us to solve problems and create new technologies.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are closely interconnected. Science provides knowledge that drives technological advancements, engineers use scientific principles to solve practical problems, and mathematics provides essential tools for understanding and analyzing scientific phenomena.

Teaching the nature of scientific knowledge (NOSK) helps students understand the processes and characteristics of science, developing their scientific literacy and ability to critically evaluate information.

A common misconception that there's one fixed method for all scientific investigations.

Scientific investigations are guided by research questions and the methods used vary across disciplines and fields.

The perception of a single scientific method is often influenced by the prominence of classical experimental design, which is frequently presented as THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD.

Descriptive research aims to describe phenomena and often begins a line of research, leading to further investigations.

Correlational research looks for relationships between variables, often following descriptive research in some fields.

Experimental research aims to establish cause and effect relationships by manipulating variables and observing outcomes.

The narrow focus on experimental research in education can create a skewed understanding of how science is actually practiced.

A balanced understanding of scientific inquiry includes recognizing the diverse approaches used in different fields and understanding that no single method reigns supreme.

A curriculum approach that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to solve real-world problems in a collaborative and authentic way.

The characteristics of scientific knowledge, such as its tentative nature, reliance on evidence, and ability to change with new discoveries.

The importance of emphasizing the processes of science, such as observation, experiment design, and data analysis, in addition to the body of scientific knowledge.