These two tables compare and contrast knowledge styles and usage of indigenous and scientific knowledge. Knowledge styles are compared based on assumptions made, oral versus written traditions, experience versus formal teaching, and others. Comparisons of in-use attributes include length of time required for acquisition, use in prediction, types of modeling, and bases for explanations. Full description.

This article discusses how graphic representations of data helped make recognizing patterns easier. The use of maps of surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean to detect El Nino events is cited as an example. Full description.

After Darwin glossary contains definitions of words related to Darwinian evolution. This page defines Lysenkoism and Lysenko's beliefs about inheritance of acquired characteristics with respect to Darwinian evolution. Users may also follow links to related words. Full description.

This site is the homepage for This History of Earth Science Society (HESS). The Society mission is to satisfy four basic needs of members, (1) to bridge the gap between humanities and the science, (2) to recognize that the history of earth science is a global topic, (3) to establish a refereed journal to serve the needs of the history of earth science, and (4) to recognize researchers in the field. ... Full description.

This on-line journal encourages the application of philosophical techniques to issues raised by the natural and human sciences. These include general questions of scientific knowledge and objectivity, as well as more particular problems arising within specific disciplines. Topics currently being discussed in the journal include: scientific realism, causation, the logic of natural selection, the interpretation ... Full description.

This reference explains the difference between a scientific law and a theory and how these terms are applied, and discusses the concept of "proof" and why it is unwise to apply it to ideas in science. Links to additional information and to a quiz are embedded in the text. Full description.

In this internet activity, students use search engines to build a list of facts about Earth science that fascinate them. After building the list, students will choose and rank their top ten amazing facts and answer some questions about them. Full description.

This lesson teaches students that scientific knowledge is fundamentally uncertain. Students manipulate sealed mystery boxes and attempt to determine the inner structure of the boxes which contain a moving ball and a fixed barrier or two. The nature and sources of uncertainty inherent in the process of problem-solving are experienced. The uncertainty of the conclusions is reduced by student collaboration. ... Full description.

In this activity, students will learn about data collection and the difference between discrete (snapshots) and continuous and real-time data. They will view a series of snapshots and write their explanation of the event. They then view a continuous video of the event and write what actually happened, and analyze their results. Full description.

This document illustrates a methodical approach to studying the natural world. It is intended to promote understanding of the nature of science and how the scientific method is used to advance science, focusing in particular on the Earth sciences. It also includes talking points for those who would like help explaining the nature of science to others who have developed misconceptions. Topics include ... Full description.