CK-12 1.4 Scientific Theory

Open Ended

Why do you think the phrase 'just a theory' is often misunderstood in everyday conversation compared to its meaning in science?

Multiple Choice

What is the significance of scientific theories in advancing our understanding of the world?

• They are untested guesses

• They are proven facts that never change

• They help explain and predict natural phenomena based on evidence

• They are opinions of scientists

Multiple Choice

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

• Broad explanation of natural events

• Supported by a large body of evidence

• Explains many observations and connects phenomena

• Based on a single observation

Open Ended

How does the scientific use of the word 'theory' differ from its everyday use?

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements are part of Dalton's Atomic Theory?

• All substances are made of tiny atoms

• Atoms of one element are identical

• Atoms of different elements are different

• Atoms cannot combine to form compounds

Multiple Select

Which of the following are examples of major scientific theories mentioned in the slides?

• Theory of Evolution

• Einstein's Theory of Gravity

• Theory of Relativity

• Wave–Particle Theory of Light

Multiple Choice

What is the Law of Parsimony also known as?

• Occam's Razor

• Newton's Law

• Theory of Relativity

• Heisenberg Principle

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements best explain why parsimony is important in science?

• More assumptions mean more chances for error.

• Simple and evidence-based explanations are more reliable.

• Complex theories are always better.

• Parsimony leads to more reliable results.

Open Ended

Why is it important for scientific theories to be guided by parsimony?

Open Ended

How does science use the word 'theory' differently than in everyday life?

Multiple Choice

How does the scientific meaning of the word 'theory' differ from its everyday use?

• In science, a theory is a well-supported explanation; in everyday use, it often means a guess.

• In science, a theory is just a guess; in everyday use, it is a proven fact.

• In science, a theory is an opinion; in everyday use, it is a law.

• In science, a theory is a law; in everyday use, it is a hypothesis.

Open Ended

What questions do you still have about the difference between a scientific theory and a guess?