The nature and practice of science

Science is an intellectual activity carried on by humans that is designed to discover information about the natural world in which humans live and to discover the ways in which this information can be recognised into meaningful patterns.A primary aim of science is to collect facts[data].An ultimate purpose of science is to discern the order that exists facts.

Science involves more than the gaining of knowledge.It is the systematic and organized inquiry into the natural world and its phenomena.Science is about gaining a deeper and often useful understanding  of the world.
There is no unique human species called Homo scientificus. Scientists are not separate from the rest of humanity. Scientists are not a class of superior beings with super-human abilities to know the ancient past; they are just people. None is all-knowing.
Being people, scientists do not always objectively seek truth, wherever it might lead. All people hold biases toward particular viewpoints. ¹ Because scientists are human (subject to self-deception, pride, self-interest, etc.), there are those in both camps (Evolutionist and Creationist) who do not always practice good science. No person or institution is infallible or above all question.
Each person's particular set of biases is a result of personal life experiences, relationships, parents, schools, peers, teachers, personal practices, and the pressures of life. It is difficult for any person to deal objectively with evidence potentially destructive to one's own cherished beliefs or pride ² - or detrimental to perceived personal security, in whatever form.

"Scientists, contrary to the myth that they themselves publicly promulgate, are emotional human beings who carry a generous dose of subjectivity with them into the supposedly 'objective search for The Truth'. …The anonymous aphorism, 'I wouldn't have seen it if I hadn't believed it' is a continuing truth in science. And of course, it cuts two ways: you often see what you expect to see and not what you don't."

Nature of science themes

To support Achievement Aim 1 of the NoS strand, the Ministry of Education has identified key themes. These NoS themes can be used by teachers to enrich their understandings of the nature of science, and better integrate this strand with the contextual strands in science activities.
Select a NoS theme from the lists below for supporting concepts, teacher’s notes, questions to help build your understanding of the nature of science, and example science activities.

Exploring science ideas

• Scientists turn their science ideas into questions that can be investigated
• Scientists’ observations are influenced by their science ideas
• Scientists’ investigations are influenced by their communities
• Scientists’ predictions are based on their existing science knowledge
• Scientists design investigations to test their predictions
• Many different approaches and methods are used to build scientific investigations
• When scientists carry out investigations they aim to collect adequate data
• Scientists think critically about the results of their investigations