From Observation to Scientific Law

Observation to Scientific Law Hypothesis Theory Scientific law

Process of using your senses to gather information Observation Process of using your senses to gather information

Examples of Observation? Aristotle Heavier objects fall faster than lighter objects Tadpoles and frogs form from pond mud Earth is the center of the universe

“Testable Prediction” Hypothesis “Testable Prediction” A proposed solution to a problem How could we test the previous “observations”?

Examples of a Hypothesis Heavier objects fall faster than light objects? If two objects of different masses are dropped, then…? Tadpoles form from pond mud? If pond mud is given enough time, then…? The Earth is the center of the universe ???

Theory Explanation based on many observations supported by experimental results “Tells Why”

Examples of Theories Theory of Plate Tectonics – 1960’s Big Bang Theory – 1930’s Theory of Relativity – 1900’s

Says what will happen but does not need to tell why Scientific Law “Rule of Nature” Describes a Pattern Says what will happen but does not need to tell why

Examples of Scientific Laws Newton’s Laws of Motion – 1600’s Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion – 1600’s Boyle’s Law – 1700’s Charles’s Law – 1700’s

Tadpoles and frogs in pond

Moving Stars!