The Language of Science

The language of science is different! Terms in science have a different meaning than in common use: Hypothesis Theory Law These differences lead to a misunderstanding of scientific research and propositions

Expression of Ideas in Science Belief- An opinion that does not require evidence, often based on societal or religious teaching or ethics - Example: Astrology

Expression of Ideas in Science Hypothesis A testable statement that predicts the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable - Example: If temperature is increased then the number of pill bugs in an area will decrease.

Expression of Ideas in Science Scientific Theory A well substantiated explanation of the natural world, can incorporate facts, laws, inferences and tested hypotheses. Some theories are “cutting edge”, and have less evidence to support them. - Example: Theory of evolution, atomic theory, string theory

Progression of Ideas in Science: Theory - Theories are used to explain “how and why”, & to predict the outcome of other experiments - Theories must be tested, and cannot be proven correct - Sometimes they are wrong & must be modified or discarded

Expression of Ideas in Science Scientific Fact An objective observation that can be measured again and again with the same result - Example: The earth is round

Expression of Ideas in Science Scientific Law A statement of an observed regularity among facts, often expressible as a simple mathematical relationship - Example: Law of gravity

Progression of Ideas in Science: Laws - Explains what happens (not why) - Summaries of the results of many, many experiments & observations - When results of a series of experiments are the same each time they no longer need to be tested EX: Newton’s Law of Gravity

Progression of Ideas in Science Which one is most likely to be wrong- hypothesis, theory, or law? 1. 2. 3. Hypothesis Theory Law