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History of Science

History of Science

TEKS Objective

The student is expected to connect grade-level appropriate science concepts with the history of science, science careers, and contributions of scientists. 


Essential Understanding

The student uses critical thinking and scientific problem solving to make informed decisions. 

Science Background

History of the Philosophy of Science: Explorable.com (website) - Historical summary of the evolution of scientific thinking and endeavor over the course human civilization, from ancient philosophy to the modern process of doing science.

History of the Philosophy of Science
Explorable.com

Signature Lesson

Inventors of the Industrial Revolution: TeachersFirst (website) - Interactive website that connects science concepts with history and the process of scientific discovery by leading students through key events of the industrial revolution, its major inventions, and some of the scientists behind them.

Inventors of the Industrial Revolution
TeachersFirst, www.teachersfirst.com

Supporting Lessons

History of Astronomy Scavenger Hunt: Learn NC (website) - Introduction to the history and basics of astronomy, including information about several models of the universe developed by scientists over time.

History of Astronomy Scavenger Hunt
Learn NC, www.learnnc.org

Women Scientists: National First Ladies’ Library (website) - Students study the work of famous women scientists, learn that women have made many critical contributions to scientific research, and write essays describing how the world would be different without these women’s research and discoveries.

Women Scientists
National First Ladies’ Library, www.firstladies.org

Elaboration Lessons and Extensions

Diseases Throughout Human History: Learn NC (website) - Students trace the historical impact of disease on humankind and research key events in the history of disease.

Diseases Throughout Human History
Learn NC, www.learnnc.org

Assessment Ideas

  1. Have students create an advertisement for one of the inventions referenced in the Signature Lesson.
  2. Each student should select a disease to study, and then write an essay that includes: a) when the disease first appeared; b) how many people died from the disease; c) how was the disease transmitted; d) how and when a vaccine was invented.

Literature Connections

Arquimedes and the Door of Science. Bendick, Jeanne (ISBN-13: 978-1883937126)

The Not-Quite World Famous Scientist. Hughes, Susan (ISBN-13: 978-1550416961)

Book of Black Heroes: Scientists, Healers, and Inventors. Hudson, Wade (ISBN-13: 978-0940975972)

Ext Women Scientists. Stille, Darlene (ISBN-13: 978-0516405858) 

Related Science TEKS

(5.1A) Science Safety
The student is expected to demonstrate safe practices and the use of safety equipment as described in the Texas Safety Standards during classroom and outdoor investigations.

(5.1B) Recycling/disposal of Science Materials
The student is expected to make informed choices in the conservation, disposal, and recycling of materials.

(5.2A) Design/conduct Experiment with One Variable
The student is expected describe, plan, and implement simple experimental investigations testing one variable.

(5.2B) Ask Questions, Formulate a Hypothesis
The student is expected to ask well-defined questions, formulate testable hypotheses, and select and use appropriate equipment and technology.

(5.2C) Collect Data
The student is expected to collect information by detailed observations and accurate measuring.

(5.2D) Analyze Evidence and Explain
The student is expected analyze and interpret information to construct reasonable explanations from direct (observable) and indirect (inferred) evidence.

(5.2F) Communicate Conclusions
The student is expected communicate valid conclusions in both written and verbal forms.

(5.2G) Graphs, Tables, Charts
The student is expected construct appropriate simple graphs, tables, maps, and charts using technology, including computers, to organize, examine, and evaluate information. 

Related Math TEKS

5.12B   The student is expected to use experimental results to make predictions.

5.14D  The student is expected to use tools such as real objects, manipulatives, and technology to solve problems.

5.15A  The student is expected to explain and record observations using objects, words, pictures, numbers, and technology. 

Additional Resources

History of Physics: MIT (website) - Collection of links to different fields of physical science, famous physicists and experiments, and more.

History of Physics
MIT, web.mit.edu

History of Chemistry: Le Moyne College (website) - Well-organized links to papers on the history of different sciences, websites devoted to individual scientists, science museums, and more.

History of Chemistry
Le Moyne College, web.lemoyne.edu

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