Scientific Theories vs. Scientific Laws

When I say “theory” what do you think this means? What about a scientific theory?

Explains why an event occurs Scientific Theory A scientific theory summarizes a hypothesis or group of hypotheses that have been supported with repeated testing. Explains why an event occurs

and becomes accepted as a valid explanation for something Scientific Theory So  If there is enough evidence to support a hypothesis, it moves to the next step —known as a theory—  and becomes accepted as a valid explanation for something

Example of a Scientific Theory Plate Tectonics Explains how Earth’s crust moves and why earthquakes and volcanoes occur How & Why

Scientific Law A rule that describes a pattern in nature States that an event will occur under certain circumstances

Example of a Scientific Law Law of Gravitational force If you drop an object, it will fall toward Earth Newton’s law doesn’t explain why it does, only that it will. What happens

Scientific Law Scientific Theory Explanation of something occurring Description of something occurring

New Information in Science

Theory modified or rejected New Information Theory is not changed Theory modified or rejected

The Scientific Method is not Perfect Scientists recognize that some questions cannot be studied using the scientific method. Questions that deal with opinions, beliefs, values, and feelings cannot be answered through scientific investigation . Ex: Which food tastes best? Ex: Is it ever okay to lie?

Homework!!! Read NOS pgs. 12-15 Do WKBK NOS pgs. 5-6 *You may skip the section in the workbook call “Numbers that are significant”