Real World: The Nature of Science
Science is a way of knowing driven by questions, observations, and data. Join us as NASA scientists, Dr. Nicholeen Viall and Dr. Marilia Samara, share the work they do, whether they're in the lab or at home. A variety of tools are introduced as these astrophysicists describe the importance of data to science. Amber Verstynen, an undergraduate student studying atmospheric science, challenges the audience to become citizen scientists, developing the critical skills needed to make informed decisions in today's complex world. The Nature of Science (NOS) weaves together core ideas, practices, and crosscutting concepts on which scientific knowledge is built.
Discussion and writing prompts
1. Scientific knowledge changes as new evidence becomes available. Why is the ability to revise explanations based on evidence one of the strengths of science rather than a weakness? Describe an example from science or everyday life where new information changed your understanding of something. Explain how changing your thinking based on evidence is similar to the way scientists work.
2. The video shows that scientists work in many different settings and often collaborate with people who have different areas of expertise. Why is collaboration an important part of scientific discovery?
3. Scientific investigations often begin with curiosity and thoughtful questions rather than simple answers. What makes a scientific question effective, and how do good questions lead to meaningful investigations? Develop a scientific question about a phenomenon you observe in your school, neighborhood, or the natural world. Describe how you would investigate it, what evidence you would collect, and how you would determine whether your explanation is supported by the data.
Background Information
Grades 3 through 12
- NASA eClips Dr. Alex Young Challenges Us All To Be Scientists (video)
- NASA eClips Ask SME: Research Astrophysicist Dr. Nicholeen Viall (video)
- NASA eClips Ask SME: Instrument Systems Engineer Dr. Begona Vila (video)
- NASA Space Place What Is Science? (webpage)
Grades 4 through 12
- NASA eClips Real World: Citizen Scientist (video)
- Berkley Understanding Science: How Science Really Works (webpage)
Grades 6 through 12
- National Geographic Science Teaching the Nature of Science: Three Critical Questions (pdf)
- NISEnet Changing Our Relationship with Science (video)
- UCAR The Nature of Science (video)
Grades 9 through 12
- NGSS Understanding the Scientific Enterprise: The Nature of Science in the Next Generation Science Standards (pdf)
- NSTA Nature of Science (webpage)
Activities
Grades K through 8
- GLOBE The Elementary GLOBE Program (webpage)
Grades K through 12
- California Academy of Sciences Draw a Scientist (webpage)
- GLOBE The GLOBE Program (webpage)
Grades 3 through 12
Grades 5 through 8
- PBS Learning Media Creativity in Science (webpage)
Grades 6 through 8
- My NASA Data Building Claims from Evidence (webpage)
Grades 6 through 9
- NASA The Nature of Science (pdf)