8-29-17 Scientific Theory vs. Scientific Law Lesson Objective: I can distinguish between scientific theory and scientific law

Do Now: Answer the following questions in your Science Notebook What is a scientific theory? Scientific theory is an explanation of observations or events based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations. What is one example of a scientific theory? Sample answers include: Cell theory, theory of plate tectonics, Big Bang theory, theory of evolution by natural selection What does a scientific law do? A scientific aw describes a pattern or event in nature that is always true. What is one example of a scientific law? Sample answers include: Law of conservation of mass, the Sun will rise again tomorrow.

Write this down in your agenda: Quiz on Friday, 9/1/17 HW for Tonight: Prepare for quiz on Friday, 9/1/17 7th Period: Write an apology letter to the guest teacher, Mr. Pettigrew, in regards to your behavior yesterday.

HW Review: Outcomes of Scientific Investigations/ Scientific Theory and Scientific Law worksheet Trade & Grade: Only mark answers that are wrong, leave correct answers alone. Concept Map: (in any order) technology, new materials, possible explanations SL ST

Direct Instruction Is the following true? If a hypothesis is supported, it becomes a theory, and if a theory is proven, it becomes a law. Correct answer: False. Laws and theories are completely different types of scientific knowledge with different purposes, but they are both supported by solid empirical evidence. Watch the TedEd video: What’s the Difference between a Scientific Law and Theory? Pay attention to the following: What scientific theories explain. What scientific laws describe. Similarities between scientific theories and laws. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyN2RhbhiEU

Video Review: Differences between Theories and Laws What do scientific theories explain? What do scientific laws describe? What are similarities between scientific theories and laws?

Activity: Theories & Laws Game In assigned groups of 3-4, your group will be given cards in a zipper bag. You will then place the three labels (“Law”, “Theory”, and “Both”) onto your desks. Don’t lay out the rest of the cards yet, keep them in the zipper bag. Wait quietly until all groups are ready.

Theories & Laws Game Instructions You will be playing a game against one another. Groups will attempt to place the statements under the correct headings. The first group that can correctly place the statements wins. When a group is done, 1 member will write their group name on the Smart board. Mr. Santos will walk around to check group answers in the order listed on the board. If a group is not completely correct, one member of the group must erase their number from the board and the group will fix their answers. When the group believes their answers are corrected, one member will re-write their number at the end of the list. The game will continue until the top 3 groups are identified.

Game Answer Key: copy this in your science notebook Scientific Theory Both Scientific Law Explains how a natural phenomenon works Often explains more related phenomena over time Based on the results of many investigations Can be modified if new evidence refutes the current statement Supported by a large amount of empirical evidence Widely accepted by the majority of scientists within a given field of study Cannot be validated by a single person Describes a natural phenomenon or relationship that always occurs under specific conditions Often can be represented by a mathematical Formula Provides no explanation as to why a phenomenon occurs Often becomes more limited over time