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Nature of Science Concepts

Throughout the EMS course, students will learn about the practice of science -- building, testing, and defending models that can account for particular phenomena. Our intention is that students will learn about this process and also be able to engage in it. Thus, the nature of science learning outcomes include skills necessary for the practice of science (modeling) as well as concepts about such practice.

Concepts

Scientific Models

• Models are ideas that scientists use to explain patterns they see in the world. In other words models are explanations that scientists develop for natural phenomena.
  
  
• Models are judged to be acceptable or not based on how well they explain the data, how consistent they are with other knowledge (or how "realistic" they are), and how well they can be used to predict.

Skills

Modeling

• create models to account for phenomena
• recognize data patterns
• design experiments to test models
• assess models for data fit and consistency
• revise models based on additional data (model extension) / effect to cause reasoning
• alter component of model and predict / cause to effect reasoning
• identify components of model
• use model to make prediction

General

• use of classroom norms (basic interpersonal skills)
• make observations
• organize data
• make diagrams
• create graphs
• analysis of graphical data
• use props to create or communicate model