20-B2.1STS

Students will explain that scientific knowledge and theories develop through hypotheses, the collection of evidence, investigation and the ability to provide explanations (NS2)  (e.g.  • discuss the nature of science as a way of knowing (contributions of Buffon, Lyell, Malthus and Wallace to evolution and contributions of Aristotle, Galileo and Popper to the philosophy of science)   •describe how paleontology and the role of evidence in the accumulation of knowledge have provided invaluable data for theories explaining observable variations in organisms over time (Burgess Shale)   •discuss geologic evidence and probable causes for past mass extinctions and contrast these to the forces driving the current decline in species.)