Thursday 9/22

Date Activity Page

9/22 Hypotheses, Theories and Laws

Objectives 

1. Scientists use the word theory differently than we do in every day language.

2. Hypotheses, theories and laws are different ways of demonstrating and creating scientific knowledge.

Strategies to Meet Objectives 

1. Read, write and discuss the definition of hypothesis, theory and law.

2. Participate in activities that demonstrate the way that scientific knowledge is created.

1. Record 3 different arguments for the Flat Earth theory in your science notebook on the page that is titled: Flat Earth.

2. Choose one statement to analyze using CONPTT to see if it meets all 6 criteria for science.

Yesterday: In Search of the Edge

Hypothesis: a special kind of prediction that describes the relationship between two things

Notes

Scientific Theory: an explanation based on observations which has been tested and confirmed. It is used help explain and predict natural things.

Notes

• Atomic Theory (all matter is made of atoms)

• Germ Theory (disease is transmitted through tiny organisms called germs)

• Cell Theory (all living organisms are made of cells)

• Wave Theory (light is transmitted as waves)

• Big Bang Theory (universe was created btwn 10-20 BYA as a result of a huge explosion of a small amount of matter)

Famous Theories

Law: a statement in words or in equations that describes a set of observable facts about the universe

Notes

• Newton’s Laws of Motion describe how objects in the real world move.

• Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion describe the movement of the planets.

• The Law of Conservation of Mass describes the results of chemical reactions in terms of mass.

• The Laws of Thermodynamics describe how heat flows between objects.

• The Law of Gravity describes the pull between objects.

Famous Laws