1. From Observation
to Scientific Law

2. Observation to Scientific Law
Hypothesis
Theory
Scientific law

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

4. 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

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

6. 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
???

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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Tadpoles and frogs in pond

12. Moving Stars!