Supporting Teachers
We help students overcome common misconceptions about climate change, evolution, and the nature of science.
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Science is a Way of Knowing
It’s imperative that all students have a basic understanding of the scientific process. By completing this lesson, students will understand how science works and that the process of science is ongoing and continually evolving as new evidence emerges. They will also gain valuable skills in evaluating the validity of online resources and popular media content that pertains to scientific experimentation and study.
Age Level
Grades 9-12
Duration
4-6 50 minute classes
NGSS Standards
Science and Engineering Practices
- Asking questions and defining problems
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Engaging in argument from evidence
NGSS Appendix H: Understanding the Scientific Enterprise: The Nature of Science in the Next Generation Science Standards
- Scientific knowledge is based on empirical evidence
- Scientific knowledge is open to revision in light of new evidence
- Science is a way of knowing
- Scientific knowledge assumes an order and consistency in natural systems
- Science is a human endeavor
Other Relevant NGSS References:
- NGSS Appendix F (pdf): Science and Engineering Practices in the NGSS
- NGSS Appendix G (pdf): Crosscutting Concepts
- NGSS Appendix J (pdf): Science, Technology, Society and the Environment
Note: Due to the nature of the five lesson sets, these four appendices are a vital component of why these activities are important in the science classroom. While a wide variety of science topics are selected to demonstrate the nature of science, all five lesson sets incorporate the ideals of these four appendices and provide numerous opportunities for the application of scientific knowledge across a variety of disciplines.
