Bellringer 09/11/14 Differentiate between a test variable and an outcome variable
Differentiate between repetition and replication Differentiate between repetition and replication. Why are both important? Bellringer
Topic: Theories and Laws EQ: What are theories and laws?
If you see a movie in which early humans fight giant dinosaurs, how would you judge the scientific accuracy of that movie? Give reasons for your judgment.
Scientific Laws, Hypotheses, and Theories In layman’s terms, if something is said to be “just a theory,” it usually means that it is a mere guess, or is unproved. It might even lack credibility. Scientific Laws, Hypotheses, and Theories
EXAMPLES OF LAWS AND THEORIES
Scientific Laws vs. Theories The difference between a hypothesis, law and theory is the amount of confirmed experimental evidence.
What is a Scientific Law? a. A scientific law is a description of an observed phenomenon. b. Explains what will happen does not explain why it happened…Ex. Gravity….
Scientific Law Gravity! Based on direct evidence, and can be reproduced many times with the same result. Example: The Law of Gravity.. What goes up must come down… Gravity!
WHAT IS A THEORY?
What is a Scientific Theory? A scientific theory is a well-supported, well-documented explanation of an observation. In other words an accepted hypothesis Tells us how something happens..
Flexible enough to be modified if new data/evidence is discovered In scientific terms, a theory implies that something has been proven and is generally accepted as being true. Flexible enough to be modified if new data/evidence is discovered
records How Theories are made…
Examples: Theories Theory of Plate Tectonics The Big Bang Theory The Theory of Evolution
Plate Tectonics Plate tectonics is the study of the processes that have formed the features of the earth. Mountains Mid Ocean Ridges
The theory of plate tectonics was introduced in the 1960s to explain how the Earth's plates move and to provide some understanding as to how volcanoes, earthquakes and tidal waves occur. The theory of plate tectonics also explains mountain range formation, ocean ridges and undersea trenches. Why is plate tectonics a theory?
Plate Tectonics In the 1800’s Alfred Wegener developed the Theory of Continental Drift. His theory simply stated that the continents were moving. But no one believed him.
Why didn’t anyone believe Wegener? He didn’t have enough evidence. People thought a weatherman should stick to forecasting the weather. Because Wegener wasn’t looking at the fossil evidence. Because Wegener couldn’t explain HOW the continents were moving.
Plate Tectonics Harry Hess began mapping the ocean floor during World War II. He discovered a chain of mountains in the middle of the ocean!
255 Million Years Ago 255 Million Years Ago
Present Day Position Present Day Position
250 Million Years From Now 250 Million Years From Now
Describe what is represented in this image.
People did once believe that the Earth was flat……
and the center of the Universe.
Let’s Review What is the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law? Chapter 1 Section 3 Fall 2005, Pflugerville ISD
Answer Theories are unifying explanations for broad range of hypotheses and observations. Laws are summaries of experimental results and observations. Chapter 1 Section 3 Fall 2005, Pflugerville ISD
Hypothesis
Closing Activity: ISN 38 Directions: Complete a double bubble map comparing theories and laws…. similarities differences differences Laws Theories