Laws and Theories

When a scientist makes a quick guess about something, it is called a scientific theory.

• True

• False

After providing research to back the theory, a scientific theory becomes a scientific law.

• True

• False

A scientific theory explains how or why things happen in nature.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

A scientific theory cannot be modified (changed)

• True

• False

Scientific laws often include a mathematical relationship observed in nature.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-7

NGSS.HS-PS2-1

Earth's average temperatures will continue to increase because of the deterioration of the ozone layer, allowing the sun's rays that were previously absorbed to reach Earth's surface.

• Theory

• Law

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

This image is an example of a scientific

• theory

• law

While speaking to a colleague, a scientist makes the following statement: "I propose that bald eagle eggs in northern Maine will have thinner shells than those from birds in southern Alaska due to increased levels of pesticides in the water. This statement is a

• Theory

• Law

• Conclusion

• Hypothesis

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Which statement below correctly identifies the difference between laws and theories?

• Laws describe phenomena, while theories explain why and how phenomena exist

• Laws are a statement of fact, while theories are a statement of opinion

• Laws explain why phenomena exist, while theories explain how

• Laws are a prediction of phenomena, while theories are an explanation