ASSIGNMENT

TOPIC: Nature and Scope of science

Science as a Process and Products 1

Submitted by,

Arnold J

Roll No: 21

B.Ed Natural Science

INTRODUCTION

Nature of Science

Science is the word of modern age, It is an inseparable part of

modern life. Science is the process of observing, describing,

exploring and using the physical world. A common man views it as a

body of scientific information. According to scientists, it is a method

by which hypotheses are tested. Etymologically the term ‘Science’ is

the synonym of the term ‘knowledge’. It does not mean that all

knowledge in the world is science. But science is knowledge acquired

in a particular way. So science is truth and search for truth.

Science is actually a body of knowledge, method of enquiry, a

way of investigation and attitude toward life. Almost everything in

science can be experienced rather than defined. It can be provided

showing reason but it is dynamic.

Science as a Process

The science, the ways of gathering information, thinking,

measuring, problem solving etc are called processes of science. Basic

processes of science are observation, comparison, classification,

communication, measurement, estimation and production. The

abilities of prediction, explanation and generalization together form

the process of making inferences. The quality of knowledge acquired

in science depends on the quality of process skills applied. Sharp

observation will lead to sound and accurate knowledge. Mainly the

scientists adopt a cautious and methodical procedure that helps them

to acquire valid and verifiable conclusions.

Various process in science can be classified into five

categories. They are:-

i. Collection of date

ii. Analysis of data

iii. Synthesis of data

iv. Evaluation

v. Application of generalization to new situation

For learning science and understanding its process, systematic

and organized use of process skills is required. A part from the basic

process skills, integrated are also required. Several skills function

together to carry out an experiment or to solve a problem. These

integrated process skills are the following.

Identifying and controlling

Defining operationally

Forming hypotheses

Experimenting

Tabulating and grouping

Interpreting data

Testing hypothesis

Drawing conclusions

Science as a product

Science is actually a body of knowledge. This “body of

knowledge” is referred to as product of science. Solution to every

problem leads to the discovery of a new problem and the cycle goes

on and on. The result is the accumulation of huge packets of

knowledge. The basic components of the product of science are facts,

concepts, principles, theories, and laws. However scientific

information is constantly being rearranged and re ordered in the light

of new knowledge. The products are formed as a result of processes

ie; we get data, facts, concepts, generalizations, principles etc .

Scope of science

Better understanding of the nature of science.

Development of scientific attitude

Development of interest and appreciation.

Acquisition of skills

Training in scientific method.

Helping the pupils develop suitable career interests.

To develop scientific literacy related to the discipline

To create an awareness of national goals

To raise the standard of living

REFERENCES

1. Science Education, Dr.K.Sivarajan

2. Modern Science teaching, R.C.Sharma.