MODULE 1

TITLE: NATURE OF SCIENCE

LESSON 1: Nature of Science

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the module, the pre-service teacher can:
a. Define the meaning and definitions of Science
b. Explain the different elements of the nature of science

ENGAGE:
Task: Using the concept map, give as many words as you can relating to Science.

SCIENCE

EXPLORE:
 How many words were you able to come up?
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 Define science using the words you used in the concept map.
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EXPLAIN:
What is Science?
 Science is a way of knowing. It requires a strong philosophical underpinning (whether consciously
sought of unconsciously learned). Developing ideas throughout the ages based on observing, thinking,
experimenting and validating. These are the fundamental aspects of science which differentiate science
from other modes of knowing.
  Science is both a body of knowledge and a process. In school, science may sometimes seem like a
collection of isolated and static facts listed in a textbook, but that's only a small part of the story. Just as
importantly, science is also a process of discovery that allows us to link isolated facts into coherent and
comprehensive understandings of the natural world.
 Science is exciting. Science is a way of discovering what's in the universe and how those things work
today, how they worked in the past, and how they are likely to work in the future. Scientists are
motivated by the thrill of seeing or figuring out something that no one has before.
 Science is useful. The knowledge generated by science is powerful and reliable. It can be used to
develop new technologist, treat diseases, and deal with many other sorts of problems.
 Science is ongoing. Science is continually refining and expanding our knowledge of the universe, and as
it does, it leads to new questions for future investigation. Science will never be "finished."
 Science is a global human endeavor. People all over the world participate in the process of science.
And you can too!

ELEMENTS OF THE NATURE OF SCIENCE

1. Scientific World View
2. Scientific Inquiry
3. The Scientific Enterprise

SCIENTIFIC WORLD VIEW

1. The world, the Universe, is understandable

-Scientist believe that things and events in the universe occur in consistent patterns that are comprehensible
through careful, systematic study.
Scientist believe that through rational thought, and aided by instrument that extend senses, people can discover
those patterns in nature.
2. Scientist assumes that universe is a vast single system in which the basic rules are the same
everywhere.- Knowledge gained from studying one part of the universe is applicable to other parts.
Example:
 principle of motion and gravitation that explain the motion of falling objects on earth’s surface also
explain of the moon and planets
 Principle of hereditary based on DNA explain genetic processes in all living organisms

3. Scientific ideas are subject to change

- Science is a process of producing knowledge.
- The process depends on both making careful observations of phenomena and on inventing hypothesis to make
sense out of those observations.
- Change in knowledge is inevitable because new observations may challenge prevailing theories.
- No matter how well a theory explains a set of observation, it is possible that another theory may fit just as well
or better, or may fit a still wider range observations.
- In science, the testing and improving and occasional discarding theories, whether new or old, goes on all the
time.
- Scientist assumes that even if there is no way to secure complete and absolute truth, increasingly accurate
approximations can be made to understand the universe and how it works.

4. Scientific knowledge is durable

- Although the scientist reject the idea of attaining absolute truth and accept some uncertainty as part of nature
- Modifying ideas, rather that rejecting them outright, is norm in science,
- Powerful concepts tend to survive, grow more precise, and become widely accepted.
Example: in formulating the theory of relativity, Albert Einstein did not discard Newton’s laws of motion but
rather showed them to be only a limited application within a more general concept.

5. Science cannot provide complete answers to all questions

- There are many matters that cannot be examined scientifically

For example:
 the beliefs that –by their very nature –cannot be provided or disproved (such as the existence of
supernatural powers and beings, or the true purposes of life)
 SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY
 It refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based
on the evidence derived from their work.
 Example: Conducting research, experiment

Steps in Scientific Method

Step 1 : Identifying the Problem

What would you like to find out?

Step 2 : Formulating Hypothesis

These are educated guess or predictions of the outcome of
experiment.

Step 3: Testing the hypothesis by conducting an

Experiment

Step 4 : Collecting or Gathering Data

Step 5: Interpreting Data

Step 6: Results/Conclusion
Determine if your hypothesis is correct or not

Step 7: Communicate
Present /Share your results
SCIENTIFIC ENTERPRISE
Explores the essential methods and processes that characterized the human endeavor we call science.

 Complex social activity

- Men and women of all ethnic and national backgrounds participate in science and its application
 Science is organized into content disciplines
- Organizationally, science can be thought of as the collection of all of the different scientific fields, or
content disciplines.
 Ethical principles
- Most scientists conduct themselves according to the ethical norms of science.
 Scientist –as-citizen
- Scientists can bring information, insights, and analytical skills to bear on matter of public concern

Observation

Conclusion Questions

Analysis Hypothesis

Experiment

ELABORATE:
Essay type. Give your thoughts on the statement below. Use at least 200 words to explain your
position.

“Science isn’t a faith, but rather a method that takes time to unfold. It is
therefore wrong to uncritically embrace everything you read..”

EVALUATE:
Following the 7 steps in scientific method, conduct a simple study on any of the following problem; Choose
one.
Problem 1: Missing wallet
Data: You and your friend went to the pharmacy to buy medicine. When you reached home you noticed that
your wallet was gone.

Problem 2: Which materials at home absorb and not absorb water?

Data: You wanted to find out which materials at home absorb and not absorb water so you can separate these
materials correctly.

Problem 3: Light bulb did not light. Is the light bulb blown?
Problem 4: You found a dark stain in your favorite shirt. How can you remove the stain form the shirt?
Problem 5: It’s weekend and you wanted to access your favorite website from the internet, unfortunately you
can’t get through. Why can’t you access your favorite web site from the internet? Find out the cause.