Guided Notes: The World of Scientific Understanding

Fact, Belief, Hypothesis, Theory, or Law: The Earth orbits the sun.

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Answer explanation

It has been proven and observed that Earth orbits the sun. It takes approximately 365.25 days to complete one complete orbit.

Fact, Belief, Hypothesis, Theory, or Law: Water exists in three states of matter.

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Answer explanation

We are most familiar with water in its liquid state--this is like the water you drink, or the water in our oceans! When water is in a solid state, it is ice. Water can also exist as a gas--sometimes called water vapor.

Fact, Belief, Hypothesis, Theory, or Law: Babies have more bones than adults.

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Answer explanation

Babies are born with 300 bones in their bodies, which are all separated by cartilage to allow for better flexibility. Over time, some bones will fuse together, leaving 206 bones that make up an average adult human skeleton.

Fact, Belief, Hypothesis, Theory, or Law: It takes 8 minutes and 19 seconds for light to travel from the sun to the Earth.

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Answer explanation

Light is the fastest object in the universe, traveling at about 300,000 kilometers/second in outer space. Based on the distance between the Earth and the sun (approximately 150 million kilometers), it takes about 8 minutes for light to travel from the sun to Earth. In comparison, it takes about 5 hours for light to travel from the sun to Pluto.

Fact, Belief, Hypothesis, Theory, or Law: The oceans produce the majority of Earth's breathable oxygen.

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Answer explanation

Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that live in the oceans and create oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Because our Earth is covered in 70% ocean--we have 70% more phytoplankton on Earth than we do land-dwelling plants!

Fact, Belief, Hypothesis, Theory, or Law: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

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Answer explanation

While this is a very popular statement, there is a diversity in which who this applies to. There are benefits of eating breakfast--such as nutrition intake, a boost in metabolism, and providing the body with energy it needs. However, it is not the only way to ensure a person is in good health, as health needs can vary from person to person.

Fact, Belief, Hypothesis, Theory, or Law: Leos are more fun to be around than Capricorns.

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Answer explanation

Oh, the zodiac signs. While reading your daily horoscope is a lot of fun, there is no scientific evidence to support the validity of astrology to a person's personality or future events.

Fact, Belief, Hypothesis, Theory, or Law: Ghosts are real.

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Answer explanation

While many people report experiences with ghosts, there is no empirical evidence to support their existence. The belief in ghosts is largely dependent upon personal experiences, religion, or even culture.

Fact, Belief, Hypothesis, Theory, or Law: The earth is flat.

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Answer explanation

The fact is, is that Earth is a sphere. There is much evidence to support this statement. If you are making a claim that the Earth is flat, you are making a statement with little to no evidence to support it.

Fact, Belief, Hypothesis, Theory, or Law: Exercise is the best way to reduce stress.

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Answer explanation

Exercise is monumental in managing stress--it has been proven to release endorphins with have mood-boosting effects. However, say it is the best way to reduce stress is a little biased--other people may find that engaging in hobbies, taking a nap, or connecting with friends or family can better help them manage their stress. It is all based on personal preference and experience.