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Theories, Laws, and other Dangerous Ideas
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How are these four concepts related to each other?
Theories Laws How are these four concepts related to each other? Facts Hypotheses
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List examples of scientific theories and laws….
Theories Laws
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Theories Laws Theory of Plate Tectonics: Earth’s crust is divided into plates that move. Explains why earthquakes and volcanoes occur in certain zones. Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion: F=ma Describes the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. Kinetic Moleclar Theory: Matter consists of tiny particles in constant motion, whose speed is proportional to the absolute temperature. Explains gas laws. Ideal Gas Law: PV=nRT Describes the relationship between pressure, volume, moles, and temperature of a gas. Germ Theory: Contagious diseases are caused by invisible microorganisms. Explains cause of many illnesses. The law of independent assortment: Describes the principle that traits are passed on to offspring independent of each other Atomic Theory: All matter is composed of elements made from indestructible particles called atoms. Explains why matter is conserved in chemical reactions. Law of Superposition: Describes the general principle that in undeformed layers of rock, the oldest rock will be at the bottom.
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Theories Laws Theory of Plate Tectonics: Earth’s crust is divided into plates that move. Explains why earthquakes and volcanoes occur in certain zones. Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion: F=ma Describes the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. Kinetic Molecular Theory: Matter consists of tiny particles in constant motion, whose speed is proportional to the absolute temperature. Explains gas laws. Ideal Gas Law: PV=nRT Describes the relationship between pressure, volume, moles, and temperature of a gas. Germ Theory: Contagious diseases are caused by invisible microorganisms. Explains cause of many illnesses. The law of independent assortment: Describes the principle that traits are passed on to offspring independent of each other Atomic Theory: All matter is composed of elements made from indestructible particles called atoms. Explains why matter is conserved in chemical reactions. Law of Superposition: Describes the general principle that in undeformed layers of rock, the oldest rock will be at the bottom.
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Stephen J. Gould Scientific Fact: Scientific Hypothesis:
“In science ‘fact’ can only mean ‘confirmed to such a degree that it would be perverse to withhold provisional consent’.” Stephen J. Gould Scientific Hypothesis: A proposed answer to a research question A tentative explanation for an observation or phenomena that can be tested through experimentation.
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Scientific Theory: A general principle supported by a substantial body of evidence offered to provide an explanation of observed facts and as a basis for future discussion or investigation. Lincoln, Boxshall, and Clark (1990)
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Scientific Theory: Scientific Law:
A general principle supported by a substantial body of evidence offered to provide an explanation of observed facts and as a basis for future discussion or investigation. Lincoln, Boxshall, and Clark (1990) Scientific Law: A scientific law is a description of a natural relationship or principle, often expressed in mathematical terms.
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Now Define the Terms Fact- statements based on observation or experimentation Hypothesis- a statement that proposes an explanation for observed natural phenomena Theory- an explanation for a broad range of observations or findings based on evidence Law- descriptions or mathematical relationship between 2 or more quantities
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Make Groups of 3
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Mystery Tube
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Models, laws and theories
Investigate your mystery tube. Draw a model of your mystery tube. Define one LAW to DESCRIBE your tube. Make a THEORY to EXPLAIN your mystery tube. Compare with others. What is the main difference between your law and theory?
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Name Date Mystery Tube Model Law Theory
What is the main difference between your law and theory?
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Is there a hierarchy among the four original concepts?
Facts Theories Laws Hypotheses
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Speculation Absolute Truth
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Speculation Absolute Truth
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Potential Progression of Scientific Ideas
THEORY L A W HYPOTHESIS FACTS
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Potential Progression of Scientific Ideas
THEORY LAW Explanatory principal Based more on inference Concise, descriptive principal Based more on observation HYPOTHESIS FACTS Keep in mind that most hypotheses support EXISTING theories/laws
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What makes these ideas dangerous (when applied to science):
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What makes these ideas dangerous (when applied to science):
Facts are indisputable Hypotheses are educated guesses Theories are unsubstantiated ideas Laws are proven theories
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What makes these ideas dangerous (when applied to science):
Facts are indisputable Hypotheses are educated guesses Theories are unsubstantiated ideas Laws are proven theories
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