Today, we learned about how simple observations can lead us to questions, which can in turn, lead us to search actively for explanations (answers). Science is a way to develop explanations for what we observe, using the evidence we gather through our own experiments, and through the experiments of other scientists. In other words, science is a way to learn about everything we see, things we can't see (too small or too big), taste, touch, smell, and hear on (and outside of) our planet. However, do keep in mind that scientific explanations can change in light of new evidence. For example, when we think about how sharks move, we tend to assume that they swim (duh?). But just a few days ago, scientists in Indonesia discovered a new species of walking shark that lives on the ocean floor, using its fins to "shuffle around, wiggling from side to side as it moves". This walking shark, named hemiscyllium halmahera, has completely changed how we think about sharks. 100 years from now, a typical 7th grader will no longer imagine a blue, sharp toothed, swimming shark when hearing the word, "shark". Therefore, as scientists, it is important that we continue to observe, question, and seek explanations, even when we feel that we know everything there is to know about something... such as sharks!
| lp_2_-_nature_of_science.pptx |
Homework: Find out where Ms. Shon saw the Leafcutter ant on the class website (shonscience.com).
Due: 9/11/13
Due: 9/11/13
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