1. What is a Theory

2. In your notebook define each of the science terms using your existing knowledge and give an example:
Fact:
Law:
Hypothesis:
Theory:

3. Match your description with:
A descriptive generalization about how some aspect of the natural world behaves under stated circumstances.
In science, an observation that has been repeatedly proven.
In science, a well substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is documented by facts, laws and tested hypotheses.
A statement about the natural world that can be to tested to build more complex explanations.

4. Examples:
Fact:
Law:
Hypothesis:
Theory:

5. Limits of Scientific Explanations
In your notebook list at least three limitations of scientific explanations
Share your ideas at your table.
Add valid ideas to your list.

6. What are the limitations:
Facts: Limited by interpretation of observation and ability of technology
Laws: Can only support hypotheses or theories and are altered by new information
Hypotheses: Can be accepted or rejected
Theory: Takes a lot of evidence before a theory can be accepted by science. They are difficult to establish and difficult to revise.

7. Do not touch, turn or lift the cube
In your notebook write several questions you could ask about the cube.

8. In your notebook: Which question can be answered by observations?
Which questions can be answered by reasoning?

9. In your notebook: Make a list of statements of fact about the cube.
Remember you cannot touch, turn, or lift the cube.

10. As a group: Propose a solution for what is on the bottom of the cube.
List at least two methods of reasoning that could be used to arrive at your solution.

11. Would you be willing to bet your (future) car keys on your solution?
What have we developed? A Fact, Law, Hypothesis or Theory?
Support your answer.

12. Now try the a different cube
Write a list of statements of fact about the new cube.
Write laws that pertain to this cube.

13. What do you think is on the bottom?
Is there more than one possible prediction?
What information do you need to be sure of your prediction?

14. Further Investigation
Use the tooth pick to lift just one corner of the cube.
What do you predict will be in the corner? How will this help you?
Did this help you?

15. Now what? What can you say about your idea now?
Would you give this up because you are missing one piece of information?
Explain your reasoning in your notebook.

16. What have you developed?
Do you have a theory or hypothesis about what is on the bottom of the cube? Support your thinking.

17. What is the difference between theory and belief?
Share your ideas with others at your table
Whiteboard your group’s ideas

18. Now it is your turn On the blank cube, create your own puzzle.
In your notebook, record the facts, laws, and hypotheses that you used in creating the cube.
Bring your cube to class on Monday for another student to analize.