Scientific theories are based on

large amounts of data collected over time.

general assumptions of how systems work.

mathematical principles that can be proven true.

observations from within only one scientific discipline.

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

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.

Atomic theory, which describes the atoms that make up matter, has been explored for centuries. Scientists in ancient Greece first proposed that matter was made of units called atoms. For many years, scientists thought atoms were solid and could not be divided. Then, in the nineteenth century, scientists began to discover the particles that make up atoms. Modern techniques have allowed scientists to split atoms into increasingly smaller particles. Which of the following statements about theories is supported by the history of the atomic theory?

Theories can change in response to new evidence.

If new evidence contradicts earlier theories, it is a result of an experimental error.

Experiments with modern equipment cannot be used to support earlier theories.

A theory is discarded when new evidence contradicts a part of the theory.

A scientist spends a month observing two prairie animals, prairie dogs and ferrets, in their natural habitat. Based on his observations, the scientist states that ferrets are more active than prairie dogs. Why is his statement NOT a scientific theory?

The statement is not widely accepted and supported by sufficient evidence.

It is an observation of something in nature.

Prairie dogs and ferrets are different species.

The scientist has not conducted enough trials to draw a valid conclusion.

Scientific Theory

Quiz

•

Science

•

6th Grade

•

Practice Problem

•

Medium

•

NGSS

HS-PS2-1, HS-LS4-2, HS-PS1-7

+11

Standards-aligned

Charles Martinez

Used 2+ times

FREE Resource

24 questions

Show all answers

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

2 mins • 1 pt

Which of these can change when new evidence is presented?

theory

law

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

2 mins • 1 pt

Which of these explain how a natural phenomenon works or happens?

theory

law

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

NGSS.HS-PS3-4

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

2 mins • 1 pt

Which of these describes a natural phenomenon or relationship that always occurs under specific conditions

theory

law

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-7

NGSS.HS-PS2-1

NGSS.HS-PS2-2

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

2 mins • 1 pt

Which of these can be represented mathematically and provide no explanation why a phenomenon occurs?

theory

law

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

2 mins • 1 pt

Scientific theories can be tested.

True

False

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-1

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

2 mins • 1 pt

What is a theory?

Describes what happens

Explains a process

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

2 mins • 1 pt

What is a law?

Describes what happens

Explains a process

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Scientific Theory

24 questions

Which of these can change when new evidence is presented?

Which of these explain how a natural phenomenon works or happens?

Which of these describes a natural phenomenon or relationship that always occurs under specific conditions

Which of these can be represented mathematically and provide no explanation why a phenomenon occurs?

Scientific theories can be tested.

What is a theory?

What is a law?

Scientific theories are based on

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

A scientific ____________ is a statement that describes what always happens under certain conditions in nature.

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