Through inquiry students learn science concepts and skills. Students detect similarities and differences and can check what they think against what they observe. Hands-on explorations provide students with opportunities to use materials in new and concrete situations, to analyze results for greater understanding, to synthesize new ideas with what has been previously learned, and to evaluate how this new knowledge will be of practical use in their lives. Although scientists reject the notion of attaining absolute truth and accept some uncertainty as part of nature, students should understand that most scientific knowledge is valid at any given time. The modification of ideas, rather than their outright rejection, is the norm in science.
Scientists assume that the universe is a vast system governed by the same basic laws everywhere.
Scientists operate on the belief that these laws can be discovered by careful, systematic study and be used to predict certain behaviors and outcomes of natural events. The knowledge base in science has evolved over a long period of time. Although the more abstract ideas which have evolved in the history and philosophy of science are beyond young students' complete understanding, they are able to consider and understand critical events which led to the development or modifications of scientific theories. This knowledge can lead to a deeper and greater understanding of the laws governing the universe during their adult years. Students will demonstrate an increasing understanding of how the scientific enterprise operates.