CK-12 1.4 Scientific Theory

Open Ended

Why do you think the phrase 'just a theory' is often misunderstood in everyday conversation compared to its meaning in science?

Multiple Choice

What is the significance of scientific theories in advancing our understanding of the world?

• They are untested guesses

• They are proven facts that never change

• They help explain and predict natural phenomena based on evidence

• They are opinions of scientists

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a scientific theory?

• Broad explanation of natural events

• Supported by a large body of evidence

• Explains many observations and connects phenomena

• Based on a single observation

Open Ended

How does the scientific use of the word 'theory' differ from its everyday use?

Fill in the Blank

Fill in the blank: According to Dalton's Atomic Theory, atoms of one element are ___ to each other.

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements are part of Dalton's Atomic Theory?

• All substances are made of tiny atoms

• Atoms of one element are identical

• Atoms of different elements are different

• Atoms cannot combine to form compounds

Multiple Select

Which of the following are examples of major scientific theories mentioned in the slides?

• Theory of Evolution

• Einstein's Theory of Gravity

• Theory of Relativity

• Wave–Particle Theory of Light

Multiple Choice

What is the Law of Parsimony also known as?

• Occam's Razor

• Newton's Law

• Theory of Relativity

• Heisenberg Principle

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements best explain why parsimony is important in science?

• More assumptions mean more chances for error.

• Simple and evidence-based explanations are more reliable.

• Complex theories are always better.

• Parsimony leads to more reliable results.

Open Ended

Why is it important for scientific theories to be guided by parsimony?

Fill in the Blank

A scientific theory is a well-supported ___ .

Open Ended

How does science use the word 'theory' differently than in everyday life?

Multiple Choice

How does the scientific meaning of the word 'theory' differ from its everyday use?

• In science, a theory is a well-supported explanation; in everyday use, it often means a guess.

• In science, a theory is just a guess; in everyday use, it is a proven fact.

• In science, a theory is an opinion; in everyday use, it is a law.

• In science, a theory is a law; in everyday use, it is a hypothesis.

Open Ended

What questions do you still have about the difference between a scientific theory and a guess?