Question

In 3-5 sentences, describe a scenario from your lessons, in which scientific knowledge was tested, re-examined, and eventually updated. How does this process strengthen scientific knowledge?

Answer 1

In the early 20th century, the understanding of continental drift proposed by Alfred Wegener faced strong skepticism because it lacked a mechanism to explain how continents could move. Over decades, as new evidence emerged, particularly the discovery of ocean floor spreading and plate tectonics in the mid-20th century, Wegener's theory was re-examined and ultimately accepted as a foundational concept in geology. This iterative process of testing hypotheses, gathering new evidence, and updating theories exemplifies the self-correcting nature of scientific knowledge. It strengthens science by ensuring that ideas evolve based on empirical evidence, leading to a more accurate understanding of complex natural phenomena.