Observations, Hypothesis, Theories, Models, and Laws

Scientific theories are based on

• general assumptions of how systems work.
• mathematical principles that can be proven true.
• large amounts of data collected over time.
• observations from within only one scientific discipline.

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that can incorporate facts, laws, inferences, and tested hypotheses.

• Fact
• Theory
• Law
• Conclusion

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

An observation or prediction that can be tested.

• Law
• Theory
• Hypothesis
• Fact

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

________ is the process of obtaining information by using the senses. 

• analyze
• inference
• observation
• hypothesis

What's the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

• a. A theory is a guess and a hypothesis is a fact. 
• b. Hypotheses can't be proven; theories can. 
• c. Theories have been confirmed through tests; hypotheses haven't. 
• d. Theories contain many hypotheses; a hypothesis only contains one theory

Evolution is one example of a theory. From what you know about the scientific method, what can you conclude about this biological theory?

• a. It's been tested many times. 
• b. Scientists don't need to test it anymore
• c. No one is allowed to test whether it's true or not. 
• d. There is very little evidence to support it. 

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

 A testable idea or explanation that leads to scientific investigation based on prior knowledge is known as: 

• theory
• experiment 
• observation
• hypothesis

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

Complete the hypothesis:
If I eat too much....

• then I will get an upset stomach
• I will get an upset stomach
• it's bad for me
• nothing will happen

If plants are exposed to sunlight, then they will grow taller.
What part of the scientific method is this an example of?

• Procedure
• Hypothesis
• Question
• Results

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

True or False: If your hypothesis is wrong, you must have conducted your experiment with errors and must dismiss what you learned.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5