1. 7 Theories and Laws

2. Is it a Theory? Which statement(s) do you think BEST apply to scientific theories? A.Theories include observations B.Theories are “hunches” scientists have C.Theories can include personal beliefs or opinions D.Theories have been tested many times E.Theories are incomplete, temporary ideas F.A theory never changes G.Theories are inferred explanations, strongly supported by evidence H.A scientific law has been proven and a theory has not I.Theories are used to make predictions J.Laws are more important to science than theories

3. Is it a Theory? Which statement(s) do you think BEST apply to scientific theories? A.Theories include observations B.Theories are “hunches” scientists have C.Theories can include personal beliefs or opinions D.Theories have been tested many times E.Theories are incomplete, temporary ideas F.A theory never changes G.Theories are inferred explanations, strongly supported by evidence H.A scientific law has been proven and a theory has not I.Theories are used to make predictions J.Laws are more important to science than theories

4. Theory = Explanation  Evidence-based explanation based on observations of events  Tested and supported with multiple lines of evidence  Widely accepted and strongly supported by the scientific community  Can be used to make predications  Can be modified if new evidence becomes available  Examples: Cell Theory Plate Tectonics Theory Atomic Theory

5. Law  Generalizations or patterns in nature derived from scientific fact  Often describe how the natural world behaves under certain conditions  Describes an event but it does NOT explain it!  Some laws are expressed mathematically (F = ma)  Examples: Newton’s Laws of Motion Universal Law of Gravitation The Law of Conservation of Matter The Law of Conservation of Energy

6. Laws describe what and Theories describe why

7. Hypothesis Explanation based upon prior experience, scientific background knowledge, preliminary observations, and logic How is a hypothesis different from a theory?????

8. Scientific knowledge can change as new evidence or interpretations are encountered