ABSTRACT
Science is a distinctive way of knowing that requires evidence to support knowledge claims. Other worldviews may not require such an emphasis on empiricism. Recognizing this is a valuable realization about the nature of science. This chapter describes actions of science through a discussion of the spheres of scientific activity. The Framework provides a useful discussion of the actions of scientists, and the authors suggest that the varied actions of science can be categorized into three, interrelated spheres. The three spheres are: investigating, developing explanations, and evaluating. The chapter examines the characteristic of the knowledge produced through those actions—at least the most relevant aspects of the nature of scientific inquiry for elementary and middle school students. Using creativity is acceptable and desirable within the culture of science. Suggesting explanations based on the available data is necessary for scientific knowledge to advance. The valuing of creativity is a feature the culture of science shares with many cultures.
