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.

Related Access Points

This cluster includes the following access points.

Independent

SC.4.N.2.In.1
Identify that science focuses on the natural world.

Supported

SC.4.N.2.Su.1
Recognize that science focuses on the natural world.

Participatory

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

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

Teaching Ideas

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.

Type: Teaching Idea

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.

Type: Teaching Idea

Student Resources

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

Parent Resources

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Teaching Idea

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.

Type: Teaching Idea