Theory and Law

Atomic theory, which describes the atoms that make up matter, has been explored for centuries. Scientists in ancient Greece first proposed that matter was made of units called atoms. For many years, scientists thought atoms were solid and could not be divided. Then, in the nineteenth century, scientists began to discover the particles that make up atoms. Modern techniques have allowed scientists to split atoms into increasingly smaller particles. Which of the following statements about theories is supported by the history of the atomic theory?

• If new evidence contradicts earlier theories, it is a result of an experimental error.

• Experiments with modern equipment cannot be used to support earlier theories.

• A theory is discarded when new evidence contradicts a part of the theory.

• Theories can change in response to new evidence.

A scientific ____________ is a statement that describes what always happens under certain conditions in nature.

• law

• theory

• method

• variable

A scientific theory...

• is based on lots of evidence

• is not valid

• is not reliable

• has not been tested many times

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

A scientist spends a month observing two prairie animals, prairie dogs and ferrets, in their natural habitat. Based on his observations, the scientist states that ferrets are more active than prairie dogs. Why is his statement NOT a scientific theory?

• It is an observation of something in nature.

• Prairie dogs and ferrets are different species.

• The statement is not widely accepted and supported by sufficient evidence.

• The scientist has not conducted enough trials to draw a valid conclusion.

A well tested explanation for wide range of observations and experimental results.

• Scientific Theory

• Scientific Law

A statement that scientists expect to happen every time under a particular set of conditions.

• Scientific theory

• Scientific law

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-7

NGSS.HS-PS2-1

NGSS.HS-PS2-2

What is the main difference between a theory and a law in science?

• A theory is a guess, while a law is a fact.

• A theory explains why something happens, while a law

  describes how something happens.

• A theory is a mathematical equation, while a law is a statement.

• A theory is untested, while a law is tested.

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following describes a scientific theory?

• It is a guess based on personal opinion.

• It is an explanation formed after using the scientific method.

• It is a statement that describes a natural phenomenon.

• It is a hypothesis that has not been tested.

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following is an example of a scientific law?

• The theory of evolution

• Newton's law of universal gravitation

• The hypothesis of continental drift

• The theory of relativity

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall

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

• It is based on a large body of evidence.

• It can be changed

  or rejected based

  on new evidence.

• It is a guess that has not been tested.

• It explains a wide range of patterns

  in our world.

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall