Big Idea 2 : The Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge



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A: Scientific knowledge is based on empirical evidence, and is appropriate for understanding the natural world, but it provides only a limited understanding of the supernatural, aesthetic, or other ways of knowing, such as art, philosophy, or religion.

B: Scientific knowledge is durable and robust, but open to change.

C: Because science is based on empirical evidence it strives for objectivity, but as it is a human endeavor the processes, methods, and knowledge of science include subjectivity, as well as creativity and discovery.

General Information

Number: SC.4.N.2
Title: The Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge
Type: Big Idea
Subject: Science
Grade: 4
Body of Knowledge: Nature of Science

Related Benchmarks

This cluster includes the following benchmarks
Code Description
SC.4.N.2.1: Explain that science focuses solely on the natural world.


Related Access Points

This cluster includes the following access points.

Independent

Access Point Number Access Point Title
SC.4.N.2.In.1: Identify that science focuses on the natural world.

Supported

Access Point Number Access Point Title
SC.4.N.2.Su.1: Recognize that science focuses on the natural world.

Participatory

Access Point Number Access Point Title
SC.4.N.2.Pa.1: Associate science with the natural world in the local environment.


Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this topic.

Lesson Plans

Name Description
Introduction To The Nature Journal: In the lessons here, students exercise the observation skills that are essential to writing, visual art, and science. First, they try to use evocative language in describing pictures of birds from the Smithsonian's National Zoo. They go on to record observations and to make hypotheses as they follow the behavior of animals on the National Zoo's live webcams. They can watch the giant pandas, the tigers, the cheetahs, the gorillas, or any of a dozen other species.
To Flow or Blow: Which One is Best for Here?:

In this lesson, 4th grade students will use web-based articles and maps to look at current and potential air (wind) and water (hydro)power plants for their, or a teacher-given, local area. Students will present an argument for which type of renewable energy plant they believe would be best citing evidence from text(s) and/or map(s). Students may work and/or write in groups or individually. Access points are included for this lesson.

Teaching Ideas

Name Description
Engineer a Bird Beak:

In this hands-on and web interactive activity, students will design a bird beak in order to simultaneously explore simple machines and the specific uses of various beak shapes. Through a hands-on design challenge, students will understand the connection between animal adaptation and mechanical engineering and how nature informs technological advances.

Vortex Powered Jellyfish:

In this hands-on and web interactive project, students explore how jellyfish move by designing a vortex cannon from simple materials. Students will see a scientist at work and understand how engineering innovations are based in the natural world.



Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this topic.

Teaching Idea

Title Description
Vortex Powered Jellyfish:

In this hands-on and web interactive project, students explore how jellyfish move by designing a vortex cannon from simple materials. Students will see a scientist at work and understand how engineering innovations are based in the natural world.