Inherent to science and science education is the perspective through which science must be understood and conducted. Science is the sum of the efforts to understand the natural world in a systematic, empirical manner. An experimental approach is based on observations, and allows construction of models of phenomena, events, and structures that allow prediction. Science values the power of theory for explaining and predicting. Science is dynamic and ever-changing.
Science is problem-solving.
It is similar to detective work, involving investigation, and it is fun. The underlying assumption of all scientific inquiry is that there are patterns to be discovered and that the processes responsible for these patterns can be understood. Science is a community effort and is self-correcting. The success of science depends upon integrity, honesty, openness, logical thought, care and precision, and it is driven by curiosity and skepticism. The course curricula presented in this package are intended to address the basic issues that students of biological science must understand in a way appropriate for majors and non-majors.