Nature of Science

At one point in time, many people thought disease was caused by fate or by incorrect behavior. Following the invention of the microscope, bacteria were discovered. After this, a new theory of what causes disease arose that was known as the germ theory.  Why was the original theory modified? 

• It quickly became obvious that germs cause disease.
• The person who invented the microscope became ill.
• New evidence prompted revision to the original ideas.
• The proponents of the germ theory had political power.

In which statement does the word theory mean scientific theory?

• In theory, the experiment will work as planned. 
• She has a theory about why the storm arrived later than predicted. 
• The atomic theory explains that material objects are made up of atoms. 
• The doctor’s prescription for curing a cold is based on his best theory or guess. 

Why is it important that scientists modify scientific theories when important new information is discovered?

• to confuse other scientists
• to keep the theory interesting and fresh
• to keep the theory as accurate and effective as possible
• to make sure the general public does not understand the theory

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

Joe tells Mai his theory about why sea turtles nest on the beach instead of in the ocean. He says, “The turtle eggs would sink to the bottom of the ocean, and the baby turtles would drown.” Joe says his uncle is a fisherman, who told Joe this information. Mai tells Joe that his theory is not scientific. Which explanation supports Mai’s evaluation of Joe’s theory?

• Joe’s idea is already a scientific law. 
• Joe’s idea is not supported by scientific evidence. 
• Joe’s idea is a good guess that can be tested by experiments. 
• Joe’s idea accurately explains why sea turtles nest on the beach. 

You use your five senses to describe something

• observation
• prediction
• experiment
• conclusion

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

The summary at the end of an experiment that explains the results, and referrers to the hypothesis using data. 

• conclusion
• procedures
• materials
• responding variable

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

This part of the experiment serves as a basis of comparison; the one variable being tested has been omitted. (not changed)

• experimental group
• control group
• data
• variables

A possible explanation to a problem or question that has not yet been tested. 

• data
• theory
• hypothesis
• fact

A hypothesis is simply a prediction that has not yet been _.

• proven or disproven
• made into a theory
• results calculated
• written about

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-6

The factors in an experiment that can be changed. 

• variables
• quantitative data
• hypothesis
• steps

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-5