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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.
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Item Type(s):
This benchmark may be assessed using:
MC
item(s)
Also Assesses - Clarification :
Students will explain that scientific knowledge may change as new evidence is discovered or new scientific interpretations are formed.
Students will explain that scientific explanations are based on empirical evidence, logical reasoning, predictions, and modeling.
Students will identify instances in the history of science in which scientific knowledge has changed as a result of new evidence. - Content Limits :
Items will not require identification of the scientist(s) and/or details associated with a particular event/discovery.
Items will not use the term durable. - Stimulus Attributes :
Scenarios referring to empirical evidence will use the term evidence.
The phrase natural event should be used rather than natural phenomenon. - Response Attributes :
None specified - Prior Knowledge :
Items may require the student to apply science knowledge described in the NGSSS from lower grades. This benchmark requires prerequisite knowledge from SC.3.N.1.7, SC.4.N.1.3, SC.4.N.1.7, SC.5.N.1.5, SC.5.N.1.6, and SC.5.N.2.1.
SC.7.N.1.6 Explain that empirical evidence is the cumulative body of observations of a natural phenomenon on which scientific explanations are based.
SC.7.N.1.7 Explain that scientific knowledge is the result of a great deal of debate and confirmation within the science community.
SC.7.N.2.1 Identify an instance from the history of science in which scientific knowledge has changed when new evidence or new interpretations are encountered.
SC.8.N.1.6 Understand that scientific investigations involve the collection of relevant empirical evidence, the use of logical reasoning, and the application of imagination in devising hypotheses, predictions, explanations and models to make sense of the collected evidence.
- Test Item #: Sample Item 1
- Question: Scientific knowledge may change as new evidence or information is discovered. Which of the following would NOT be a result of new scientific research and information?
- Difficulty: N/A
- Type: MC: Multiple Choice
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