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The Nature of Science — Reading Comprehension

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MS-ETS1-4
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MS-LS1-1

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This passage explores the nature of science for middle school students, aligning with NGSS standards MS-ETS1-4, MS-PS1-1, and MS-LS1-1. Students learn that science is a dynamic process built on evidence, questioning, and the willingness to revise ideas. The passage explains how scientific knowledge evolves, using examples like the development of atomic models and germ theory. It emphasizes the importance of evidence-based inquiry, curiosity, and collaboration in advancing scientific understanding. Students are encouraged to see science as more than just facts—it's a way of thinking and investigating the world. The passage includes a glossary, Spanish translation, a simplified version, comprehension activities, and graphic organizers. Audio integration supports diverse learners. This comprehensive resource helps students understand core principles of the scientific method, the evolution of scientific knowledge, and the real-world impact of science on society and technology.

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dna extraction, tuba, experimentation, dna extraction, dna extraction, dna extraction, dna extraction, dna extraction, experimentation — Science is the systematic process that humans use to understand the natural world. Image by JeromeNicolas / Pixabay.

Science is the systematic process that humans use to understand the natural world. Scientists investigate phenomena by asking questions, gathering evidence, and developing explanations that can be tested. The nature of science is not just about memorizing facts, but about using curiosity and skepticism to question what we know and how we know it. Scientific knowledge changes over time as new discoveries are made and old ideas are challenged by better data.

How Science Works: Inquiry and Evidence

Scientific inquiry begins with observations—careful noticing of something in the world. For example, when early scientists noticed that certain diseases spread from person to person, they asked, "How does disease travel?" To answer such questions, scientists form hypotheses, or testable explanations. Through controlled experiments and careful measurement, they collect evidence. If the evidence supports the hypothesis, it becomes part of scientific knowledge. If not, scientists revise or reject their ideas. This cycle of questioning, testing, and revising is called the scientific method. It ensures that scientific understanding is always based on the best available evidence, not personal opinions or traditions.

How Scientific Understanding Changes

Scientific knowledge is not fixed; it evolves as new evidence emerges. For instance, the atomic model has changed many times. In the 1800s, atoms were thought to be solid spheres. Later, experiments showed that atoms have a tiny nucleus and are mostly empty space. Today, scientists use even more complex models to describe atomic structure. Another example is the germ theory of disease. Before the 1800s, many believed diseases were caused by "bad air" or supernatural forces. When scientists discovered bacteria and viruses, germ theory replaced old ideas, leading to life-saving advances in medicine. These examples show that science is self-correcting: as better evidence becomes available, scientific explanations improve.

Connections and Real-World Impact

The methods of science connect across fields. Physics, biology, chemistry, and earth science all use observation, experimentation, and evidence to build knowledge. Scientific thinking also impacts society. For example, understanding germs led to hand washing in hospitals, saving millions of lives. Technologies like smartphones, vaccines, and clean water systems exist because scientists tested ideas, analyzed failures, and tried new approaches. Scientific literacy helps people make informed decisions about health, the environment, and technology. Science is a process—a way of thinking that constantly adapts and grows.

In summary, science is an ongoing process of questioning, investigating, and revising our understanding of the world. By relying on evidence and skepticism, science has transformed human knowledge and improved life for people everywhere. The nature of science is not just what we know, but how we discover and test what is true.

Interesting Fact: The word "science" comes from the Latin "scientia," meaning knowledge. But in practice, science is less about having answers and more about asking questions!

What is the main purpose of science according to the passage?

To understand the natural world using evidence and inquiryTo memorize facts about historyTo believe in traditions without questionTo make up stories about the universe

What do scientists do when new evidence does not support a hypothesis?

They revise or reject the hypothesisThey ignore the evidenceThey keep the original idea no matter whatThey stop doing science

Which of the following is an example of a scientific discovery changing our understanding?

The atomic model evolving over timePeople memorizing factsBelieving all traditions are trueIgnoring new technology

What is the 'scientific method'?

A process for asking questions, testing ideas, and revising explanationsA set of historical facts to memorizeA way to make up storiesA list of rules made by teachers

Why did the germ theory replace older ideas about disease?

Because new evidence showed that bacteria and viruses cause diseaseBecause people wanted a new ideaBecause tradition said soBecause scientists guessed

What does 'skepticism' mean in science?

Questioning ideas until there is enough evidenceBelieving everything you hearIgnoring questionsFollowing traditions without thinking

Which statement best describes how scientific knowledge changes?

Scientific knowledge evolves as new evidence is discoveredIt never changesIt only changes if people want it toIt changes every day with no reason

How does science impact real-world decisions?

It helps people make informed choices about health, technology, and the environmentIt makes people memorize factsIt only affects scientistsIt has no effect

Science is only about memorizing facts. (True/False)

TrueFalse

Scientific explanations can improve with new evidence. (True/False)

TrueFalse