Understanding Science

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Understanding Science

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A science prototype: Rutherford and the atom

Grade Level(s):

  • 9-12
  • College

Source:

  • UC Museum of Paleontology

Resource type:

  • classroom activity
  • Science Story

Discipline:

  • Physical Sciences

Time: 30 minutes

Overview

Have your students read the full article on Rutherford's investigations of the atom and compare it to the Science Checklist in order to explore the key traits that make science science. Get more tips on using Science Stories in class.

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two models of atomic structure: one with atoms circling the nucleus in all directions and one where each atom occupies a distinct orbital
  • [What is science?: Grades 9-12] Science is both a body of knowledge and the process for building that knowledge. (NOS5)
  • [What is science?: Grades 9-12] Science aims to build explanations of the natural world. (P3, P6)
  • [What is science?: Grades 9-12] Science focuses on natural phenomena and processes.
  • [What is science?: Grades 9-12] Science works only with testable ideas. (P2, P3, NOS2)
  • [What is science?: Grades 9-12] Scientists strive to test their ideas with evidence from the natural world; a hallmark of science is exposing ideas to testing. (P3, P4, P6, P7, NOS2)
  • [What is science?: Grades 9-12] Scientific knowledge is open to question and revision as new ideas surface and new evidence is discovered. (P4, P6, NOS3)
  • [What is science?: Grades 9-12] Science is ongoing; answering one scientific question frequently leads to additional questions to be investigated. (P1)
  • [What is science?: Grades 13-16] Science is both a body of knowledge and the process for building that knowledge.
  • [What is science?: Grades 13-16] Science aims to build increasingly broad and coherent explanations of the natural world.
  • [What is science?: Grades 13-16] Science focuses on natural phenomena and processes.
  • [What is science?: Grades 13-16] Science works only with testable ideas.
  • [What is science?: Grades 13-16] Scientists strive to test their ideas with evidence from the natural world; a hallmark of science is exposing ideas to testing.
  • [What is science?: Grades 13-16] Scientific knowledge is open to question and revision as new ideas surface and new evidence is discovered.
  • [What is science?: Grades 13-16] Science is ongoing; answering one scientific question frequently leads to additional questions to be investigated.
  • NOS Matrix understanding category 2. Scientific knowledge is based on empirical evidence.
  • NOS Matrix understanding category 3. Scientific knowledge is open to revision in light of new evidence.
  • Science and Engineering Practice 1. Asking questions and defining problems
  • Science and Engineering Practice 2. Developing and using models
  • Science and Engineering Practice 3. Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Science and Engineering Practice 6. Constructing explanations and designing solutions
  • Science and Engineering Practice 7. Engaging in argument from evidence
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