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

2. 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.”

3. 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)

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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