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Scientific Laws vs. Scientific Theories

Recognizing the difference between a law and a theory.

Target 02-01 Explain the difference between scientific laws, scientific theories, and models.

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Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Engazing in Argument from Evidence

Blanchard Byrne 2019

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Scientific Law vs. Scientific Theory

Objects fall to the center of the earth.

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Because objects are made of constantly moving molecules, and the molecules move at different rates, matter can exist as a solid, liquid, or gas

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The Law of Gravity

Describes what happens

The Kinetic Molecular Theory

Explains why things happen.

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Heat moves from areas that are warmer to areas that are cooler.

Because organisms have a large amount of variability in their genetic material, some organisms will be born with traits that will help them to survive better in stress environments.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Theory of Evolution

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Scientific Laws

  • Mathematics can be used as a scientific law.

Universal Law of Gravity

Fg = G m1 m2

r2

Newton’s Second Law of Motion

F = m a

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  • Scientific Laws

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    • Laws describe how something happens
    • Must describe what happens every time
    • Might be described with math
    • Summarizes results and observations from experiments
    • Comes from many observations
    • Can’t become scientific theories
    • Can be used to predict
    • Can use models to help describe
    • Can be changed or modified with new observations

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  • Scientific Theories

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    • Explain why something happens in nature
    • Must explain observations clearly and consistently
    • Experiments must be repeatable
    • Must be able to predict results
    • Often uses models to explain
    • Based on many experiments and observations
    • Must be tested many times
    • Can’t become a Scientific Law
    • Developed from tested hypotheses
    • Must change with new information and observations

Constructing Explanations

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    • A representation of an object or system using words, diagrams, and/or math
    • Used to explain, describe, or test things
    • Scaled to a size easily used
    • Save time and money
  • Types of Models
    • Paper Models – Architectural Designs, Maps
    • Computer Models – Animations or Simulations
    • Mathematical Models

Model of DNA

  • Scientific Models

Developing and Using Models

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Laws, Theories, and Models

Models are used as evidence to support claims and to make predictions in Scientific Theories and Scientific Laws

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Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Model of Energy Flow in an Ecosystem

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  • Scientific Fact

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    • Information based on observations, studies, and repeated tests and experiments.
    • Peer reviewed by many scientists over time.

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Debunking a Theory

Theory of Aether

Phlogiston Theory

Geocentric Universe Theory

Billiard Ball Atomic Theory (Democritus)

Miasma Theory (Bad Air)

Law of Conservation of Mass

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Laws, Theories, and Models

Fin

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

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  • Concept Review Worksheet 1:1