Bell Ringer 1. Take out your notebook. 2. Complete the handout
Scientific Theories & Laws (Page ) Essential Question: Why are scientific theories modified over time, but rarely discarded? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uzsuCFUQ68
1 - Scientific Theory A well-tested explanation for a wide range of observations and experimental results
*Well-tested explanation - Repeated experiments leading to a consensus of agreement amongst investigators
*Wide range of observations and experimental results - Multiple trials leading to similar conclusions
*A scientific theory: *Explains how and why something happens
*Recent Theories - Germ Theory Theory of Evolution Theory of Plate Tectonics Big Bang Theory Cell Theory
2 – Scientific Law *Tells us what happens. A statement that describes what scientists expect to happen every time under similar conditions. *Tells us what happens.
*Common Scientific Laws: Universal Law of Gravitation Newton’s Laws of Motion Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion Law of Conservation of Mass and Energy
3 – Modifying Theories *As scientists learn more about the natural world, their theories evolve to explain their new observations. *Theory of Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics
Read the article : “When does a theory become a law?” *How is a theory compared to building a house? *What’s the difference between a theory and a law? *When does a theory become a law? *What is the process of an explanation becoming a theory?
Conclusion Quick Write – In your own words, explain why scientific theories are sometimes modified, but rarely discarded?