Hypothesis, Theory, or Law

Description of scientific phenomena under certain conditions- why something is happening

• Hypothesis

• Law

• Theory

Predicts the outcome of a situation

• Hypothesis

• Theory

• Law

Proposed explanation for a wide range of observations and experimental results

• Theory

• Hypothesis

• Law

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

Example: F = m x a

• Hypothesis

• Law

• Theory

Example: Runners who drink sports drinks during a race will run better than those who drink water because it contains electrolytes.

• Law

• Hypothesis

• Theory

Example: Evolution by Natural Selection

• Law

• Hypothesis

• Theory

Can usually be expressed mathematically

• Hypothesis

• Theory

• Law

Often written in an “if-then” format

• Hypothesis

• Law

• Theory

Are accepted as being “universal”

• Hypothesis

• Law

• Theory

Must be testable and measurable

• Law

• Theory

• Hypothesis

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

NGSS.HS-PS1-3

NGSS.HS-PS4-3