Scientific Hypothesis, Theory, and Law

an experiment is done to test your hypothesis. Your results...

• prove (or does not prove) your hypothesis is correct
• supports or fails to support your hypothesis
• are not important

explains what will happen to the independent variable, dependent variable, and why.

• hypothesis
• theory
• law

Which of the following statements is true about a THEORY

• A theory is a guess or hunch about something that has occurred in nature.
• A theory is a comprehensive set of ideas explaining a phenomenon in nature - in other words it is well tested - repeated and replicated, with peer review
• A theory is based on verifiable laws and can be proven true.
• A theory is a hypothesis that uses laws and observation to make an assumption

Educated guess

• hypothesis
• 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:

• Law
• Hypothesis
• Theory

may be modified

• hypothesis
• theory
• law and theory
• hypothesis and theory

Formed BEFORE experimenting, but after observing and/or researching

• hypothesis
• theory
• law

Scientific theories can be tested.

• True
• False

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

• Laws describe phenomena, while theories explain why phenomena exist.
• Laws are a statement of fact, while theories are a statement of opinion.
• Laws are a prediction of phenomena, while theories are an explanation

Hypotheses are formed:

• After observing or researching, but before conducting an experiment
• After observing or researching, and after conducting an experiment
• After theories are formed
• before experimenting, and are NEVER changed