Unifying Themes in Nature of Science

Scientific Inquiry (Nature of Science Unifying Concept A)
Scientific inquiry is the process by which humans systematically examine the natural world. Scientific inquiry is a human endeavor and involves observation, reasoning, insight, energy, skill, and creativity. Scientific inquiry is used to formulate and test explanations of nature through observation, experiments, and theoretical or mathematical models. Scientific explanations and evidence are constantly reviewed and examined by others. Questioning, response to criticism and open communication are integral to the process of science.

Science, Technology, and Society (Nature of Science Unifying Concept B)
Technology defines a society or era. It can shape the environment in which people live, and it has increasingly become a larger part of people’s lives. While many of technology’s effects on society are regarded as desirable, other effects are seen as less desirable. These concepts are shared across subject areas such as science, math, technology, social studies and language arts. The development and use of technology affects society and the environment in which we live, and, at the same time, society influences the development of technology and its impact on culture.