Theory vs Law

Scientific Theories vs Scientific Laws

Why Should You Care?

• So you can be more informed about what you hear in the media

• Science concepts can make a bit more sense , these are important vocab words that we often use incorrectly!

• You can defend yourself better if you get into scientific debates!

Multiple Choice

Scientific Laws are more powerful and mean more than Scientific Theories

• True

• False

"It's just a theory!"

• Uhm, not true.

• Common Usage of Theory: Is a guess, and not proven.

• Example: "I have a theory about why you're failing science class!"

Scientific Usage of Theory

• A scientific theory is a proposed explanation for how a natural phenomenon occurs.

• It is backed up by rigorous testing, other scientists, and tons of data

• They are generally accepted to be true

• They are developed using trial after trial of experiments

Examples of Scientific Theories!

• Theory of Evolution

• Cell Theory

Scientific Theories DO NOT Eventually Turn into Scientific Laws

They're two different things

Scientific Laws

• Laws describe what will happen in a given situation typically using a mathematical equation.

• Based on observations of a phenomenon

• Laws are typically a starting place in science! We start with what we know, then use it to ask questions and experiment to then create theories to explain why

BOTH Theories and Laws

• Are viewed as scientific facts

• Can be adjusted if new information is discovered

• Are formed from rigorous testing, observations, and support from the scientific community

Multiple Choice

A scientific theory:

• Describes a natural phenomenon

• Explains a natural phenomeon

Multiple Choice

A scientific law:

• Describes a natural phenomenon

• Explains a natural phenomenon

Multiple Choice

Is this statement a scientific theory: "I think that the loch ness monster is real because I've seen it in pictures."

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

True or False: If something is a scientific theory, that means it is not reliable and we shouldn't believe it.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

True or False: Scientific laws are typically a starting point when forming experiments.

• True

• False

Fill in the Blanks

Scientific theories and laws can be formed by following (and repeating many times) the scientific:

Multiple Choice

True or False: Scientific laws are typically a starting point when forming experiments.

• True

• False