For Kim

Instruction:

Read the following and then complete the What is Science? worksheet.

Before you begin, read the what is science.pdf that I had attached. All sources should mainly be from the material that I had provide.

Is It Science?

(From SciEd.ucar.edu Is It Science?)

Certain characteristics exist that can help determine what is and is not science. The acronym "NOTTUS" can be used as a memory hook for these six characteristics: Natural, Observable, Testable, Tentative, Uncertain, and Social.

The first of these, Natural, refers to the fact that science seeks to explain the natural phenomena found in the universe in which we live.

These natural phenomena or events must also be Observable through basic human senses or through tools that enhance human senses such as a radar, thermometers, microscope, or instruments and cameras on satellites.

These Natural and Observable phenomena must also be Testable. We can make predictions about how they will behave, change, or react and then test these predictions using science processes. Results in science must be consistent.

Scientific findings or conclusions, however, are always Tentative and Temporary. They are subject to revisions and corrections whenever evidence can prove them wrong. When a natural phenomena has been tested and reaffirmed repeatedly over an extensive period of time, those phenomena are called scientific theories. However, scientific theories are also considered tentative, although unlikely to be proven wrong.

Science is also Uncertain. Ninety-nine percent certainty is still 1 percent uncertain. One hundred percent certainty is not attainable with scientific ways of knowing; not even those scientific phenomena we're really certain about. Weather forecasts are a good example. They rarely are 100 percent certain. Like weather forecasts, the science of forecasting is reliable but the forecasts always have a degree of uncertainty - sometimes more, sometimes less.

And finally, science is Social. It requires collaboration with other scientists, communication of results with one's peers, and presenting findings in journals, presentations, and scientific conferences. It is always a social endeavor involving the scientific community.

Now watch the video on The Nature of Science:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui8X_TTFIzI&feature=youtu.be

Now complete the What is Science? Worksheet that I had attached.

Grading Rubri

Criteria	Accomplished	Competent	Developing	Beginning
Identify the types of questions that can and cannot be answered by science, and recognize the strengths and limitations of science in answering questions about the natural world.	4 points	3 points	2 points	1 point
Overall Score