1. Scientific Method – Part 2
Theory vs. Law
Fact vs. Inference
Types of Graphs
Reliable Sources

2. Theory vs. Law
Theories DO NOT become laws; nor DO laws become theories!!
Theory: are well supported explanations
versus
Law: are well supported descriptions

3. Facts about theories vs laws
Theories DO NOT become laws, theories EXPLAIN laws.
Not all scientific laws have accompanying explanatory theories.

4. Fact versus Inferences
is a statement that can be proven true (or false) with some objective standard
Inference
is a statement that appears to be true based on previous experiences. The greater the body of experience, the more an inference appears to be a fact.

5. Fact An Observation a thing that has been done
something shown to exist
something known to have existed

6. Inference
Educated guess as to what happened based on facts (observations)
Conclusion
deduction
judgment

7. Inferences and Bias
Inferences can create an opinion or bias explanations of something.
Bias – particular preference or point of view that is personal, rather than scientific.
What are some examples of bias?
Write down 2-3 examples of bias in your notes.

8. Different types of Graphic Representations
Drawings - these can be used to easily represent a concept that is difficult to explain in words.
Line Graphs - these can be used to show a change of one quantity over time
Bar Graphs - these can be used to show the relationship among different categories of variables
Circle Graphs - these can be used to show the parts of a whole

9. Bar Graph Line Graph Circle Graph
Different types of Graphic Representations
Bar Graph
Line Graph
Circle Graph

10. Reliable Sources Top-Level Domain Type of Site Reliability .edu
Educational institution such as college or university. Community colleges, high schools, private schools, and even elementary schools may also use .edu names.
High for most colleges or universities. Lower for community colleges, high schools, etc. Personal pages hosted on these sites may be less reliable.
.gov
Government Agency
Generally reliable. Scientific agencies are the most reliable. The pages of individuals working in government may be less reliable.
.org
Organization
Varies. Sites sponsored by well-known, unbiased organizations are usually reliable. The sites of smaller groups, or those with political agendas, are less reliable.
.com
Commercial
Generally low