1. Laws vs. Theories
SC.7.N.3.1

2. Learning Scale for Theories & Laws (SC.7.N.3.1, SC.6.N.2.2)
4 – All of 3 +
Provide historical evidence of changes in scientific knowledge.
3 – All of 2 +
Explain why theories may be modified but are rarely discarded.
2 – All of 1 +
Explain the difference between a theory and a law.
1 - Recognize examples of laws and
theories.

3. What is a Scientific Law?
A scientific law is a description of an observed phenomenon. It offers no explanation to why they are that way. A scientific law can often be reduced to a mathematical statement, such as E = mc²

4. Examples of Scientific Laws
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Law of Universal Gravitation
Kepler’s Law of Planetary Motion
The Laws of Thermodynamics
Law of Buoyancy (Archimedes' Buoyancy Principle)

5. What is a Scientific Theory?
A scientific theory is a
well-supported, well-documented explanation of an observation.
THIS IS NOT A GUESS!!!

6. Examples of Scientific Theories
The Big Bang Theory
Theory of Evolution
Theory of Natural Selection
Theory of Plate Tectonics
Cell Theory

7. Relationship between theories and laws
Scientific theories DO NOT become laws with more evidence.
Laws describe WHAT happens and theories explain WHY it happens.

8. Are theories forever?
Theories are rarely discarded. Theories can change as more evidence is collected and new technology becomes available.
FOR EXAMPLE….

9. People did once believe that the Earth was flat……

10. and the center of the Universe.

11. Spontaneous Generation
Then
Maggots came from rotting food.
This was believed because they seemed to appear out of nowhere.
Now
Maggots come from fly eggs laid in the rotting food.

12. Think Pair Share Why did all these theories change?
Example: Development of the Atomic Theory

13. Think Pair Share –Explain this picture.

14. Learning Scale for Theories & Laws (SC.7.N.3.1, SC.6.N.2.2)
4 – All of 3 +
Provide historical evidence of changes in scientific knowledge.
3 – All of 2 +
Explain why theories may be modified but are rarely discarded.
2 – All of 1 +
Explain the difference between a theory and a law.
1 - Recognize examples of laws and
theories.