FULL NAMES
STUDENT NUMBER:
UNIQUE NUMBER: 696332
MODULE CODE: NST2601
MODULE NAME: SCIENCE FOR CLASSROOM 2
ASSIGNMENT: 02
DUE DATE: 29 MAY 2025
, QUESTION 1
1.1.1 Scientist
A scientist is someone who uses systematic methods to explore, investigate and make
sense of the world around them. This involves using observation, experiments, and
critical thinking to answer questions or test ideas. Scientists do not work in isolation—
they build on existing knowledge, debate ideas, and publish findings that can be
reviewed and challenged. This process ensures that scientific understanding keeps
evolving. In the past, scientists like Darwin and Lyell did more than just gather facts;
they also interpreted their findings in ways that influenced how we understand nature
today. However, they also had biases, and their work was often influenced by their
cultural and historical context. According to the NST2601 study guide, science as a
discipline is shaped by social conditions and is constantly being rewritten to reflect new
knowledge and challenges (UNISA, 2021: 2). Therefore, a scientist is not just a
knowledge collector but a thinker and innovator who works to solve real-world problems
and expand human understanding.
1.1.2 Indigenous Knowledge (IK)
Indigenous Knowledge is a unique and valuable system of understanding developed by
communities through their daily interactions with nature and their environment. It
includes everything from how people grow food, collect water, heal illness, to how they
explain natural events through stories and beliefs. This knowledge is often shared
through generations by means of storytelling, songs, rituals, and practical experiences.
Indigenous Knowledge is closely linked to the local language and culture of a
community, making it deeply contextual and dynamic. It changes over time as
communities adapt to new challenges or environmental conditions. As described in the
NST2601 guide, this form of knowledge has historically been overlooked in schools,
which have focused more on Western ways of knowing. However, efforts are now being
made to bring Indigenous Knowledge into the classroom, recognising its importance in
helping learners relate school content to their lived experiences (UNISA, 2021: 4–6). It
plays a critical role in promoting respect for diverse worldviews and ensuring that
education remains relevant to all learners in South Africa.
STUDENT NUMBER:
UNIQUE NUMBER: 696332
MODULE CODE: NST2601
MODULE NAME: SCIENCE FOR CLASSROOM 2
ASSIGNMENT: 02
DUE DATE: 29 MAY 2025
, QUESTION 1
1.1.1 Scientist
A scientist is someone who uses systematic methods to explore, investigate and make
sense of the world around them. This involves using observation, experiments, and
critical thinking to answer questions or test ideas. Scientists do not work in isolation—
they build on existing knowledge, debate ideas, and publish findings that can be
reviewed and challenged. This process ensures that scientific understanding keeps
evolving. In the past, scientists like Darwin and Lyell did more than just gather facts;
they also interpreted their findings in ways that influenced how we understand nature
today. However, they also had biases, and their work was often influenced by their
cultural and historical context. According to the NST2601 study guide, science as a
discipline is shaped by social conditions and is constantly being rewritten to reflect new
knowledge and challenges (UNISA, 2021: 2). Therefore, a scientist is not just a
knowledge collector but a thinker and innovator who works to solve real-world problems
and expand human understanding.
1.1.2 Indigenous Knowledge (IK)
Indigenous Knowledge is a unique and valuable system of understanding developed by
communities through their daily interactions with nature and their environment. It
includes everything from how people grow food, collect water, heal illness, to how they
explain natural events through stories and beliefs. This knowledge is often shared
through generations by means of storytelling, songs, rituals, and practical experiences.
Indigenous Knowledge is closely linked to the local language and culture of a
community, making it deeply contextual and dynamic. It changes over time as
communities adapt to new challenges or environmental conditions. As described in the
NST2601 guide, this form of knowledge has historically been overlooked in schools,
which have focused more on Western ways of knowing. However, efforts are now being
made to bring Indigenous Knowledge into the classroom, recognising its importance in
helping learners relate school content to their lived experiences (UNISA, 2021: 4–6). It
plays a critical role in promoting respect for diverse worldviews and ensuring that
education remains relevant to all learners in South Africa.
