People can often learn about things around them by just observing those things carefully, but sometimes they can learn more by doing something to the things and noting what happens.
Learning Goal 2
Tools such as thermometers, magnifiers, rulers, or balances often give more information about things than can be obtained by just observing things unaided.
Learning Goal 3
Describing things as accurately as possible is important in science because it enables people to compare their observations with those of others.
Learning Goal 4
When people give different descriptions of the same thing, it is usually a good idea to make some fresh observations instead of just arguing about who is right.
For Grades: 3-5
Learning Goal 1
Scientific investigations may take many different forms, including observing what things are like or what is happening somewhere, collecting specimens for analysis, and doing experiments.
Learning Goal 2a
Because we expect science investigations that are done the same way to produce the same results, when they do not, it is important to try to figure out why.
Learning Goal 2b
One reason for following directions carefully and for keeping records of one's work is to provide information on what might have caused differences in investigations.
Learning Goal 3a
Scientists' explanations about what happens in the world come partly from what they observe, partly from what they think.
Learning Goal 3bc
Sometimes scientists have different explanations for the same set of observations. That usually leads to their making more observations to resolve the differences.
Learning Goal 4
Scientists do not pay much attention to claims about how something they know about works unless the claims are backed up with evidence that can be confirmed, along with a logical argument.
Subchapter C
The Scientific Enterprise
For Grades: K-2
Learning Goal 1
Everybody can do science and invent things and ideas.
Learning Goal 2
In doing science, it is often helpful to work with a team and to share findings with others. All team members should reach their own individual conclusions, however, about what the findings mean.
Learning Goal 3
A lot can be learned about plants and animals by observing them closely, but care must be taken to know the needs of living things and how to provide for them in the classroom.
For Grades: 3-5
Learning Goal 1
Science is an adventure that people everywhere can take part in, as they have for many centuries.
Learning Goal 2
Clear communication is an essential part of doing science. It enables scientists to inform others about their work, expose their ideas to criticism by other scientists, and stay informed about scientific discoveries around the world.
Learning Goal 3
Doing science involves many different kinds of work and engages men and women of all ages and backgrounds.
Learning Goal 4
Many social practices and products of technology are shaped by scientific knowledge.
For Grades: 6-8
Learning Goal 1
Important contributions to the advancement of science, mathematics, and technology have been made by different kinds of people, in different cultures, at different times.
Learning Goal 2
Until recently, women and racial minorities, because of restrictions on their education and employment opportunities, were essentially left out of much of the formal work of the science establishment; the remarkable few who overcame those obstacles were even then likely to have their work disregarded by the science establishment.
Learning Goal 3
No matter who does science and mathematics or invents things, or when or where they do it, the knowledge and technology that result can eventually become available to everyone in the world.
Learning Goal 4
Scientists are employed by colleges and universities, business and industry, hospitals, and many government agencies. Their places of work include offices, classrooms, laboratories, farms, factories, and natural field settings ranging from space to the ocean floor.
Learning Goal 5ac
In research involving human subjects, the ethics of science require that potential subjects be fully informed about the risks and benefits associated with the research and of their right to refuse to participate. Because animals cannot make informed choices, special care must be taken in using them in scientific research.
Learning Goal 5b
Science ethics demand that scientists must not knowingly subject coworkers, students, or community residents to health or property risks without their prior knowledge and consent.
Learning Goal 6
Computers have become invaluable in science, mathematics, and technology because they speed up and extend people's ability to collect, store, compile, and analyze data; prepare research reports; and share data and ideas with investigators all over the world.
Learning Goal 7
Accurate record-keeping, openness, and replication are essential for maintaining an investigator's credibility with other scientists and society.
Learning Goal 8
Scientists' personal interests and viewpoints can influence the questions they investigate.
Learning Goal 9
Scientists are linked to other scientists worldwide both personally and through international scientific organizations.
