Ch 19: Foundations of Scientific Thought
About This Chapter
Foundations of Scientific Thought - Chapter Summary
If you're interested in gauging or enhancing your understanding of the foundations of scientific thought, this chapter can help! Examine important ways the field of science has evolved over the years, and explore steps scientists take to make new breakthroughs and advancements. Lessons offer clear definitions and examples to provide you with a well-rounded understanding of scientific thought. Upon completion of this chapter, you will have the knowledge to:
- Explain the basics of scientific ways of thinking
- Define and provide the steps of scientific investigation
- Describe 16th and 17th century breakthroughs in medicine and chemistry
- Discuss the effects of the Scientific Revolution
- Share ways scientific discoveries can influence people to change their beliefs
- Examine scientific advances and paradigm shifts within scientific theory
- Detail developments in science and technology since 1945
Review the lessons in any sequence you desire, and revisit them as often as needed to ensure you fully comprehend the foundations of scientific thought. If you hit a snag and need additional information about lesson topics, feel free to submit questions to our experts. Multiple-choice quizzes are available to assess your comprehension of each lesson. A practice exam is also available to reinforce the topics covered in this chapter.

1. Scientific Ways of Thinking
Are you interested in becoming a scientist? Science is all about gaining knowledge by asking good questions, making observations, testing your ideas and drawing conclusions. With a little practice, you can learn to think like a scientist.

2. What is Scientific Investigation? - Definition, Steps & Examples
Scientific investigation is the way in which scientists and researchers use a systematic approach to answer questions about the world around us. Read on to find out more. A quiz is provided to test your understanding.

3. Breakthroughs in Medicine & Chemistry: Examples & Empiricism
In this lesson, we explore the medical and chemical breakthroughs which occurred in the 16th and 17th centuries as part of the era's increased emphasis on empiricism and the concurring Scientific Revolution.

4. Effects of the Scientific Revolution
In this lesson, we explore the philosophical, religious, and cultural effects of the Scientific Revolution on Early Modern society - effects that forever changed the Western view of the universe and humanity's place within it.

5. How Scientific Discoveries Can Cause People to Change Their Beliefs
Personal beliefs are one thing that people hold to very tightly. However, over time, with enough scientific evidence, a critical eye and consistent experiments, science can and does change people's beliefs in ways that simple observations cannot.

6. Scientific Advances & Paradigm Shifts in Scientific Theories
Learn about some of the major scientific advances, and how they led to paradigm shifts in scientific thinking. Take a quiz to see how much you've learned.

7. The Advance of Science & Technology Since 1945: Developments & Impact
In this lesson, we explore just a few of the numerous advances and innovations made in the worlds of sciences and technology, from automobiles and televisions to computers and phones that can fit in the palm of your hand.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the MTEL General Curriculum (03): Practice & Study Guide course
- History of the English Language
- Basic Grammar & Mechanics
- Teaching Literature & Literary Analysis
- Understanding Literary Texts
- Children's Literature Genres & Characteristics
- The Writing Process
- Paleolithic Era to the Agricultural Revolution
- Early Civilizations & the Rise of Western Imperialism
- Modern World History Overview
- The Start of the United States
- American History in the 1800s
- American History from 1900 to Present
- US & Massachusetts Government
- Fundamentals of Economics & Capitalism
- Geography & Human Settlements
- Principles of Life Sciences
- Principles of Physical Science
- Earth & Space Science
- Scientific Inquiry & Experimentation
- The Number System
- Fractions, Decimals & Percents Overview
- Factoring & Divisibility Rules
- Number Operations
- Basic Algebraic Concepts & Practice
- Introduction to Functions & Graphs
- Understanding & Solving Linear Functions
- Concepts of Measurement
- Geometric Shapes & Principles
- Understanding Descriptive Statistics
- Understanding Probability
- MTEL General Curriculum Flashcards