SC.7.N.3.1 April 12, 2024 Homework

Scientific Theories and Laws

SC.7.N.3.1 Recognize and explain
the difference between theories
and laws and give several examples
of scientific theories and the
evidence that supports them.

ESSENTIAL
QUESTION:
How can you
differentiate
between
scientific
Theories and
Laws?

Lesson Glossary - Key Vocabulary Terms

Multiple Choice

Bellringer

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.

I DO
Guided
Notes

Multiple Choice

“If a hypothesis is supported, it becomes a theory. If a theory is proven it becomes a law”.  

True or False

• True

• False

Scientific
Theories

●Scientific Theories explain how a natural

phenomenon works.

●Theories are the best explanation for a

phenomenon with all of the available evidence.

●Theories can change when new evidence is

presented.

●Examples of scientific theories:

●Theory of Plate Tectonics
●Theory of Evolution
●Cell Theory
●Atomic Theory

teorías cientificas
teyori syantifik
teorias científicas

Scientific
Laws

●Scientific laws describe a natural

phenomenon or relationship that always
occurs under specific conditions.

●They can often be represented

mathematically and provide no
explanation why a phenomenon occurs.

●Examples of Laws:

oLaw of Universal Gravitation
oLaw of Superposition
oLaws of Conservation of Mass & Energy

leyes cientificas
lwa syantifik yo
leis científicas

Scientific
Theories
vs Laws

Both scientific theories and scientific
laws are based on the results of many
investigations, are supported by a
large amount of evidence, and are
widely accepted by the majority of
scientists in the given field of study.
However, only theories can be
modified as new evidence is
discovered.

both
ambas
tou de
ambas

only
solo
sèlman
só

We Do
Collaborative
Activity

Categorize

Options (11)

Explains how a natural phenomenon works

Often explains more related phenomena over time

Based on the results of many investigations

Can be modified if new evidence refutes the current statement

Supported by a large amount of empirical evidence

Widely accepted by the majority of scientists within a given field of study

Cannot be validated by a single person

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

Often can be represented by a mathematical Formula

Provides no explanation as to why a phenomenon occurs

Often becomes more limited over time

Organize these options into the right categories

Scientific Theory

Both

Scientific Law

Open Ended

Exit Ticket

How can you differentiate between scientific Theories and Laws?