1. 8-30-17 Scientific Theories Analyzing Evidence
Lesson Objective: Identify evidence that supports a scientific theory.

2. Do Now: Complete in your Science Notebook
Contrast what scientific theories and scientific laws do.
Scientific theories describe how/why a phenomenon is occurring. Scientific laws state that a phenomenon or relationship will occur under specific conditions.
Identify whether the following statements apply only to scientific theories, only to scientific laws, or to both.
Supported by a large amount of evidence
Both
Often becomes more limited over time.
Scientific law
Often explains more related phenomena over time.
Scientific theory
Cannot be validated by a single person.

3. HW: Scientific Theory or Scientific Law? worksheet

4. HW Review: Results 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

5. Student Work Period
In assigned groups of 3-4, each group will receive a handout about a scientific theory.
Each handout has a brief description of the theory, but you may complete additional research of your theory online.
Each group will review a list of 10 scientific discoveries and choose the top 4 that support their theory.
Students will then provide justification for each piece of evidence, describing how it supports their theory.
Students will present their findings to the class.
You will be graded based on the provided Presentation Rubric.

6. Scientific Theories: Analyzing Evidence Presentation Rubric
Content 4 3 2 1
Explanation/Rationale
Justification for all four discoveries as evidence to support the theory is logical and description is easily understood.
Justification for all four discoveries as evidence to support the theory is logical and description is somewhat understood.
Justification for some of the discoveries as evidence to support the theory is logical and description is somewhat understood.
Justification for none of the discoveries as evidence to support the theory is logical and description is difficult to understand.
Application of Scientific Knowledge
Knowledge of the scientific concept was evident and used accurately to support the task.
Knowledge of the scientific concept was evident but did not accurately support the task.
Knowledge of the scientific concept was partially evident and did not accurately support the task.
Knowledge used was unclear and/or incomplete for the task.
Organization
Student presents information in logical, interesting sequence which the audience can follow
Student presents information in logical sequence which the audience can follow
Audience has difficulty following presentation because student jumps around
Audience cannot understand presentation because there is no sequence of information
Presentation
All information was presented in a way that was easily understandable.
All required information is presented in a way that was understandable.
Information is presented in a way that is sometimes confusing due to poor organization, improper speech patterns, or lack of knowledge. Key points may have been skipped.
Comprehension is nearly impossible due to poor organization, improper speech patterns, or lack of knowledge. Key points were missed.

7. Closure: Exit Ticket Answer this question on a notecard:
Using the provided rubric, estimate the score your group would receive if you were to present right now.