Theories vs Laws

A scientific theory:

• Describes a natural phenomenon

• Explains a natural phenomeon

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

A scientific law:

• Describes a natural phenomenon

• Explains a natural phenomenon

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NGSS.HS-PS1-2

Scientists create both scientific theories and scientific laws as they make observations and conduct experiments about the natural world. Which of the following statements most accurately compares the difference between scientific theories and scientific laws?

• Scientific laws are based on evidence, while scientific theories are not.

• Scientific theories involve only biology, while laws involve all types of science.

• Scientific theories involve mathematical equations, while scientific laws are based on observations.

• Scientific theories are ideas that explain natural events, while scientific laws more reliably predict natural events.

Which of the following ways describe how scientific theories and scientific laws are alike?

• Both scientific theories and scientific laws explain why events occur in nature.

• Both scientific theories and scientific laws can be modified if new evidence is discovered.

• Both scientific theories and scientific laws are accepted by only the minority of scientists in their field.

• Scientific theories and scientific laws are not alike in any ways.

Sir Isaac Newton was sitting under an apple tree one day when an apple hit him on the head. He wondered why the apple fell and eventually developed what became the law of gravity. Why is gravity considered a scientific law and not a scientific theory?

• The law of gravity describes the attraction between particles in the universe.

• The law of gravity explains why the particles attract each other.

• Gravity is not a law, it is a theory

• The law of gravity explains why the apple hit him on the head.

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NGSS.HS-PS2-4

Which of the following is supported by lots of evidence?

• Theory

• Law

• Both

• Neither

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NGSS.HS-PS2-1

Which of the following tells what happens every time under certain conditions?

• Theory

• Law

• Both

• Neither

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NGSS.HS-PS2-1

Which of the following can be revised with new evidence?

• Theory

• Law

• Both

• Neither

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NGSS.HS-LS2-2

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

Which choice best explains why the scientific model of the atom has changed over time?

• The discovery of new evidence resulted in changes to the atomic theory.

• Advancements in atomic models proved the atomic theory was accurate.

• The atomic theory was modified with the discovery of a new element.

• Changes in atomic models show that the atomic theory was based on opinion.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Scientific theories do not change once they have been written down.

• True
• False

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NGSS.HS-PS1-2