Facts, Hypotheses, Theories, and Laws Pages 53-54

How are these terms different? Scientific definitions of these terms are different than the common day definitions Often misused in everyday language Ex: “I have a theory.”

What is a FACT? Based upon observations Direct observations – Saw the deer Indirect observations – Saw the tracks and scat left by the deer (make an inference)

What is a HYPOTHESIS? A possible explanation or answer to the problem being inquired and investigated Must be testable

What is a THEORY? A scientific explanation that encompasses many scientific observations, hypotheses, and laws that are replicable and accurate Ex: Theory of Plate Tectonics, Cell Theory, Theory of Evolution

What is a LAW? A statement or equation that is reliable and predicts events under certain conditions Ex: Law of Gravity, Law of Motion, Law of Conservation of Mass

Flat Earth Theory Non-Example Not accepted by the scientific community, much negative proof against their theory HYPOTHESIS that there is a wall of ice that goes around the edge of the earth to hold the ocean waters supports their THEORY of a flat earth LAW of gravity goes against their idea that gravity doesn’t exist, instead the earth “catches up” by constantly moving upwards