Understanding Inquiry and the Nature of Science
What do we learn from the inquiry cubes?
1. In science, knowing is public- scientists share their knowledge.
2. Scientific knowledge is open for review and scrutiny.
3. Science builds on and from the existing knowledge base.
4. There is an assumption of truth – if someone tells you what is on one side, you believe it – fudging data is wrong.
5. There is order in nature.
6. Evidence – based. Defend reasoning.
7. Use of mathematics and patterns – spatial reasoning and number sense.
8. Use of models – science often deals wit things we cannot see.
9. Use of tools/technology.
10. Scientists plan wisely and thoughtfully.
11. Science is not always doing experiments – it can be observational. Astronomy is a good example.
12. If…then reasoning
13. Scientists do not always see and get definitive answers.
14. This is what science is like. There is no set of regimented steps.