Theories vs Laws

Which statement below correctly identifies the difference between laws and theories?

• Laws describe phenomena, while theories explain why phenomena exist.

• Laws are a statement of fact, while theories are a statement of opinion.

• Laws explain why phenomena exist, while theories explain how.

• Laws are a prediction of phenomena, while theories are an explanation.

Theory, Law or Both??? Predicts what will happen in the natural world.

• Law

• Theory

• Both

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-1

Theory, Law or Both??? Explanation of a wide range of observations?

• Theory

• Law

• Both

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

Is a well-tested EXPLANATION for a wide range of observations and experimental results.

• Law

• Theory

• Both

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

Is a DESCRIPTION of what a scientists expects to happen every time under a certain set of conditions.

• Law

• Theory

• Both

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Describes a natural phenomenon or relationship that always occurs under specific conditions

• Theory

• Law

• Both

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

Explains how a natural phenomenon works.

• Theory

• Law

• Both

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

NGSS.HS-PS2-1

Can be modified if new evidence refutes the current statement

• Theory

• Law

• Both

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

Cannot be validated by a single person

• Theory

• Law

• Both

Based on the results of many investigations

• Both

• Theory

• Law

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-2