Standard #: SC.8.N.2.1


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Distinguish between scientific and pseudoscientific ideas.


General Information

Subject Area: Science
Grade: 8
Body of Knowledge: Nature of Science
Big Idea: The Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge -

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.

Date Adopted or Revised: 02/08
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved

Related Courses

Course Number1111 Course Title222
2002100: M/J Comprehensive Science 3 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2002110: M/J Comprehensive Science 3, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2001010: M/J Earth/Space Science (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2001020: M/J Earth/Space Science, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2000010: M/J Life Science (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2000020: M/J Life Science, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2003010: M/J Physical Science (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2003020: M/J Physical Science, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
7820017: Access M/J Comprehensive Science 3 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
2002085: M/J Comprehensive Science 2 Accelerated Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2003030: M/J STEM Physical Science (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2002200: M/J STEM Environmental Science (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2001025: M/J STEM Astronomy and Space Science (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2000025: M/J STEM Life Science (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2001105: M/J Coastal Science 2 (Specifically in versions: 2022 and beyond (current))


Related Access Points

Access Point Number Access Point Title
SC.8.N.2.In.1 Identify that scientific knowledge must be supported by evidence.
SC.8.N.2.Su.1 Recognize examples of evidence that supports scientific knowledge.
SC.8.N.2.Pa.1 Recognize an example of observable evidence related to science.


Related Resources

Lesson Plans

Name Description
Can You Identify Pseudoscience?

For an idea to be classified as scientific, it must have been subjected to the rigors of scientific inquiry (scientific method).

Science vs. Pseudoscience The students will differentiate between scientific and pseudoscientific ideas.
Content statements:
  • Scientific claims must follow basic fundamentals of science and scientific laws.
  • Scientific ideas are supported by a large amount of data, usually from experiments.
  • Scientific claims can be tested and the results can be replicated.

Original Student Tutorial

Name Description
Is It Science or Pseudoscience?

Learn the differences between science and pseudoscience in this interactive tutorial.

Presentation/Slideshow

Name Description
What is Science?

Resource provides a succinct overview of the nature of science; what science is and is not. Information includes the aims of scientific pursuits, principles, process and thinking.

Teaching Idea

Name Description
CONPTT - SCIENCE vs NON-SCIENCE Explores six criteria of science (CONPTT), with definitions and self-check questions. Compares "Emerging Science", "Non-Science", and "Pseudoscience", with definitions and examples. Activity engages students in analyzing a collection of paragraphs to decide which category each fits into.

Unit/Lesson Sequence

Name Description
CIS Unit - Science and Pseudoscience

This is a Comprehension Instructional Unit on the characteristics of science and pseudoscience. There are 2 files: the CIS unit with questions and culminating activity and the article itself. This correlates with the 8th grade Holt Fusion textbook in Unit 1, Lesson 1.

Student Resources

Original Student Tutorial

Name Description
Is It Science or Pseudoscience?:

Learn the differences between science and pseudoscience in this interactive tutorial.

Presentation/Slideshow

Name Description
What is Science?:

Resource provides a succinct overview of the nature of science; what science is and is not. Information includes the aims of scientific pursuits, principles, process and thinking.



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