Year 8 Science • AC9S8H02 • Authored homework
World Views Shape Scientific Knowledge
Investigate how cultural perspectives, world views and different knowledge systems can influence the questions people ask, the evidence they value and the way scientific knowledge is applied.
Part A
Short-answer questions
What is meant by a world view?
What is a cultural perspective?
How can a person’s background influence the science questions they ask?
Why is it useful for science to include more than one perspective?
Give one example of knowledge about Country or place that could support scientific investigation.
What is the difference between respecting cultural knowledge and copying it without permission?
Why should scientists consider who is affected by their work?
How can local knowledge improve an environmental investigation?
What does collaboration mean in a scientific context?
Write one sentence explaining why science should listen to communities as well as collect data.
Part B
Long-answer questions
Explain how cultural knowledge and scientific investigation could work together to understand a local ecosystem.
Describe a situation where ignoring community perspectives could lead to a poor scientific or environmental decision.
Compare two different perspectives on the same science issue, such as water use, fire management, land care or health advice.
Explain why ethical collaboration is important when scientists work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge holders or local communities.
A student says, “Only laboratory data matters in science.” Write a response that explains why observations, place-based knowledge and community experience can also matter.
Describe how a research question might change when scientists consult the people affected by the issue.
Explain how world views can influence what counts as a problem worth investigating.
Use an example to show how science can be strengthened when different groups share knowledge respectfully.
Evaluate a science project that affects a local community. What evidence should be collected, and whose perspectives should be considered?
Design a respectful investigation into a local environmental issue. Include the question, scientific data needed, community input needed and how findings should be shared.
Part C
Research and understanding task
Research one example where Indigenous knowledge, local community knowledge or cultural perspectives have contributed to environmental management, health, astronomy, agriculture or climate understanding. Explain the science involved and how respectful collaboration was important.