1. What is Science? Let’s review some important ideas

2. Hypothesis Hypothesis -  Educated Guess

3. Hypothesis  TESTABLE statement which may be falsified  Written as “if…then” statement where the independent variable follows the if and the dependent variable follows the then.  Independent Variable – The factor/condition being tested or changed by the experimenter.  Dependent Variable – The factor/condition being MEASURED or that changes as a result of the independent variable.

4. Facts vs. Proof Scientific language is different than words we use every day. Fact: Observation confirmed over & over (change more often than theories!!!) Proof: NOTHING in science is proven. This word does not belong in science. Send this word to your math teacher! SCIENCE IS TENTATIVE ! (ALWAYS CHANGING!) What drives scientific changes?

5. What is a Scientific Theory?  Theories are an explanation of a natural phenomenon that is supported by a large body of scientific evidence obtained from many observations, experiments and laws. Facts Laws Inferences Tested hypotheses Explanation

6. What is a Scientific Law?  A law is a generalized description of a fact of nature about what has happened from which we can generalize what we think will happen or how something behaves under certain circumstances. E.g. An apple falls to the Earth because of the Law of Gravity.

7. Misconception Alert!! Theory -------  Law

8. Theories vs. Law – Quick Review