1. Theories, Laws, and other Dangerous Ideas

2. How are these four concepts related to each other?
Theories
Laws
How are these four concepts related to each other?
Facts
Hypotheses

3. List examples of scientific theories and laws….
Theories Laws

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

8. 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)

10. 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.

11. 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

12. Make Groups of 3

13. Mystery Tube

14. 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?

15. Name Date Mystery Tube Model Law Theory
What is the main difference between your law and theory?

18. Is there a hierarchy among the four original concepts?
Facts
Theories
Laws
Hypotheses

19. Speculation
Absolute Truth

20. Speculation
Absolute Truth

21. Potential Progression of Scientific Ideas
THEORY
L A W
HYPOTHESIS
FACTS

22. 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

23. What makes these ideas dangerous (when applied to science):

24. What makes these ideas dangerous (when applied to science):
Facts are indisputable
Hypotheses are educated guesses
Theories are unsubstantiated ideas
Laws are proven theories

25. What makes these ideas dangerous (when applied to science):
Facts are indisputable
Hypotheses are educated guesses
Theories are unsubstantiated ideas
Laws are proven theories