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Distinguish between scientific and pseudoscientific ideas.
Standard #: SC.8.N.2.1
Standard Information
General Information
Subject Area: Science
Grade: 8
Body of Knowledge: Nature of Science
Idea: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts
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
Content Complexity Rating: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved
Related Courses
Related Access Points
  • 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
  • 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
Presentation/Slideshow
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
Original Student Tutorials Science - Grades K-8
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