Natural+Sciences

__ Syllabus Notes - Natural Sciences __
=**Essay titles related to this topic:**= 2. How important are the opinions of experts in the search for knowledge? 3. "Doubt is the key to knowledge" (Persian Proverb). To what extent is this true in two areas of knowledge? 4. To what extent do we need evidence to support our beliefs in different areas of knowledge? 5. To what extent are the various areas of knowledge defined by their methodologies rather than their content? 10. A model is a simplified representation of some aspect of the world. In what ways may models help or hinder the search for knowledge?

=__Natural Sciences__= LIBRARY ACTIVITY: Each student **investigates sources** for a different scientific issue/ controversy. eg the large hadron collider, climate change, GM foods, new elements, nuclear power, homeopathy, TCM, endangered species, human origins, dark energy, dark matter etc. HOMEWORK: Create a Word document called ToK Science Issue.doc and compile a list of sources of information on this issue. Make sure you have included a variety of types of source and perspectives and that you have recorded all of the information about each source. You will use this information again later.

= Which subjects does the term “natural sciences” include or exclude? Are there any grey areas? = = Do these areas change from one era to another, from one culture or tradition to another? =

MINDMAP ACTIVITY: Work with other students to create a mindmap around the central question: WHAT HAS SCIENCE EVER DONE FOR US? You may find it helpful to consider verbs such as: Invented; Discovered; Explained; Caused; Prevented. @http://www.mindmeister.com/32726369/what-has-science-ever-done-for-us - an example from Y13

PEER ACTIVITY: Using the list of sources you made during the library activity...

[|NOVA FILM ON STRING THEORY]also at www.youku.com What is the nature of Science? POKER FACE (card game exemplifying the scientific method)

Scientific Method The problem with facts

Shifting Paradigm Opinion.doc [|pseudoscience]

Natural Science assignment - Due 1 February
Use the information on this document to fill out the table on the below attachment

= Essay practice - To what extent is truth different in Natural Science and the Arts? (700-900 words) =