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Provided by: The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine |Published on: August 10, 2022
Videos
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Synopsis
This short video talks about the nature of science, describes science as a process, and stresses that knowledge gained through science can be challenged, retested, or strengthened over time.
It provides ways to evaluate studies based on the size of the study, the funding source of the study, the factors considered, and the breadth of knowledge on the topic.
This video is very short and would be a great way to start a discussion at the beginning of a science course.
Understanding how to judge the trustworthiness of sources of information can be a challenge for anyone and this resource can help explain how science aims to build knowledge.
Additional Prerequisites
It would be helpful to review the scientific method and experimental design with students before or after this video.
Differentiation
Math and science classes can use this video to discuss the power of sample size in calculating averages, medians, and doing other statistical analyses.
Social studies classes could discuss why it might matter where the funding for a study came from and how it may impact the distribution of the results in the media.
Before starting the video, ask students the question "What is science?" Using their answers, lead a discussion about how science is useful in answering questions in everyday life.
After watching the video have students discuss ways that science has helped solve problems in their school or in their lives.
