9-6-17 Scientific Theory and Law

Do Now: Write down the following questions in your notebook. What do scientific theories explain? What do scientific laws describe? Why might laws be changed? Why might theories become disfavored? As you watch the following video, write down the answers to these questions.

Do Now Review What do scientific theories explain? Why things happen as they do. What do scientific laws describe? What happens or what will happen. Why might laws be changed? New, unexpected information Why might theories become disfavored? Other theories better explain a scientific discovery

HW: Study!!! Your quiz is tomorrow, 9/7 (pending school remaining open)!

HW Review: Theory and Law worksheet Definition of scientific law: a rule that describes a pattern in nature. Definition of scientific theory: an explanation of observations or events based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations. Law (while this is related to a well-supported theory, the statement alone does not explain anything) Theory; “caused by” Theory; “because of” Law (again, this is related to a well-supported theory, but the statement alone does not explain anything) Law (again, no explanation of why matter is not created/destroyed is not given) Theory; “can cause”

Activity: Theories & Laws Game In assigned groups of 3-4, your group will be given cards in a zipper bag. You will then place the three labels (“Law”, “Theory”, and “Both”) onto your desks. Don’t lay out the rest of the cards yet, keep them in the zipper bag. Wait quietly until all groups are ready.

Theories & Laws Game Instructions You will be playing a game against one another. Groups will attempt to place the statements under the correct headings. The first group that can correctly place the statements wins. When a group is done, 1 member will write their group name on the Smart board. Mr. Santos will walk around to check group answers in the order listed on the board. If a group is not completely correct, one member of the group must erase their number from the board and the group will fix their answers. When the group believes their answers are corrected, one member will re-write their number at the end of the list. The game will continue until the top 3 groups are identified.

Game Answer Key: copy this in your science notebook Scientific Theory Both Scientific Law Explains how a natural phenomenon works Often explains more related phenomena over time Based on the results of many investigations Can be modified if new evidence refutes the current statement Supported by a large amount of evidence Widely accepted by the majority of scientists within a given field of study Cannot be validated by a single person Describes a natural phenomenon or relationship that always occurs under specific conditions Often can be represented by a mathematical Formula Provides no explanation as to why a phenomenon occurs Often becomes more limited over time