Changing Theories

Why would a scientific theory be modified?

• a single new experiment gave different data

• a scientist said it should

• several different scientists contributed the same new information

• the scientist that wrote the theory became famous

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Do theories change?

• True

• False

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An idea that is probably true, but has not yet been proven to be true; based on research and data.
Example: "Modern day humans and apes evolved from a common ancestor.

• Fact

• Theory

• Law

• Belief

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Why do scientific theories change over time?

• New evidence is discovered

• Theories become outdated

• Scientists get bored

• Public opinion changes

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Which of the following is an example of a scientific theory changing?

• The geocentric model replaced by the heliocentric model

• The discovery of penicillin

• The invention of the telescope

• The classification of Pluto as a dwarf planet

What is required for a scientific theory to be modified?

• A single experiment with different results

• Consensus among scientists

• A change in public opinion

• A new technology is invented

How does peer review contribute to changing scientific theories?

• It ensures only popular theories are accepted

• It allows for the validation and critique of research

• It prevents any changes to established theories

• It speeds up the publication process

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?

• A hypothesis that has been proven

• A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world

• An educated guess

• A random idea

What role do experiments play in changing scientific theories?

• They provide data that can support or refute a theory

• They are used to entertain scientists

• They are irrelevant to theories

• They only confirm existing theories

Why is the theory of evolution considered a scientific theory?

• It is a guess about how life began

• It is based on extensive evidence and research

• It is a belief held by many people

• It is a law of nature

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