•Observation•Hypothesis•Theory•Scientific law

Process of using your

senses to gather

information

Examples of Observation?

Aristotle Heavier objects fall faster than lighter o

bjects Tadpoles and frogs form from pond mud Earth is the center of the universe Maggots spontaneously form from

rotting meat

“Testable Prediction”A proposed solution to a problem

How could we test the previous “observations”?

Examples of a Hypothesis

Heavier objects fall faster than light objects? If two objects of different masses are dropped,

then…?

Tadpoles form from pond mud? If pond mud is given enough time, then…?

The Earth is the center of the universe ???

Maggots spontaneously form from rotting meat? If meat is left to rot, then…?

Explanation based on many observations supported by experimental results

“Tells Why”

Examples of Theories

Theory of Plate Tectonics – 1960’s

Big Bang Theory – 1930’sTheory of Relativity – 1900’s

“Rule of Nature”Describes a PatternSays what will happen but does not need to tell why

Examples of Scientific Laws

Newton’s Laws of Motion – 1600’s

Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion – 1600’s

Boyle’s Law – 1700’sCharles’s Law – 1700’s

Tadpoles and frogs in pond

Maggots on meat

Wheat + Shirt = Mice!

Where do horses come from?

Moving Stars!