Download Law vs Theory

Laws vs. Theories
SC.7.N.3.1
Learning Scale for Theories & Laws
(SC.7.N.3.1, SC.6.N.2.2)
4 – All of 3 +
Provide historical evidence of changes in
scientific knowledge.
3 – All of 2 +
Explain why theories may be modified but are
rarely discarded.
2 – All of 1 +
Explain the difference between a theory and a
law.
1 - Recognize examples of laws and
theories.
What is a Scientific Law?
A scientific law is a description of an
observed phenomenon. It offers no
explanation to why they are that way. A
scientific law can often be reduced to a
mathematical statement, such as E =
mc²
Examples of Scientific Laws
•Newton’s Laws of Motion
•Law of Universal Gravitation
•Kepler’s Law of Planetary Motion
•The Laws of Thermodynamics
•Law of Buoyancy (Archimedes' Buoyancy
Principle)
What is a Scientific Theory?
A scientific theory is a
well-supported, well-documented
explanation of an observation.
THIS IS NOT A GUESS!!!
Examples of Scientific Theories
The Big Bang Theory
Theory of Evolution
Theory of Natural Selection
Theory of Plate Tectonics
Cell Theory
Relationship between theories
and laws
•Scientific theories DO NOT become
laws with more evidence.
•Laws describe WHAT happens and
theories explain WHY it happens.
Are theories forever?
Theories are rarely discarded.
Theories can change as more
evidence is collected and new
technology becomes available.
FOR EXAMPLE….
People did once
believe that the
Earth was
flat……
and the
center of
the
Universe.
Spontaneous Generation
Then
•Maggots came from rotting food.
•This was believed because they seemed
to appear out of nowhere.
Now
•Maggots come from fly eggs laid in the
rotting food.
Think Pair Share
Why did all these theories
change?
•
Example: Development of the Atomic Theory
Think Pair Share –Explain this
picture.
Learning Scale for Theories & Laws
(SC.7.N.3.1, SC.6.N.2.2)
4 – All of 3 +
Provide historical evidence of changes in
scientific knowledge.
3 – All of 2 +
Explain why theories may be modified but are
rarely discarded.
2 – All of 1 +
Explain the difference between a theory and a
law.
1 - Recognize examples of laws and
theories.