BIG IDEA 3 : THE ROLE OF
THEORIES, LAWS, HYPOTHESES,
AND MODELS
Description :
The terms that describe examples of scientific knowledge, for example; "theory," "law,"
"hypothesis," and "model" have very specific meanings and functions within science.
BENCHMARK NUMBER & DESCRIPTOR
• SC.6.N.3.1
• Recognize and explain that a scientific theory is a well-supported and widely accepted
explanation of nature and is not simply a claim posed by an individual. Thus, the use of
the term theory in science is very different than how it is used in everyday life.
• SC.6.N.3.2
• Recognize and explain that a scientific law is a description of a specific relationship under
given conditions in the natural world. Thus, scientific laws are different from societal laws.
• SC.6.N.3.3
• Give several examples of scientific laws.
• SC.6.N.3.4
• Identify the role of models in the context of the sixth grade science benchmarks.
WHAT’S A THEORY?
SCIENTIFIC THEORY
• A scientific explanation to a
pattern in the natural world
• Many observations and much
evidence is needed in order to
create a valid theory.
• Scientific investigation is a key
part when creating theories.
• Theories may be supported by
scientific evidence but may be
incorrect.
– Evidence may change with time;
better technology
– Example: Geocentric (earth in
middle of solar system) to
Heliocentric model (sun in
middle of solar system)
SCIENTIFIC THEORY
• Listed below are some
examples of Science
Theories:
1. Modern Atomic Theory
2. Kinetic Molecular Theory
3. The Germ Theory of Disease
4. The Big Bang Theory
5. The Theory of Evolution
6. The Theory of Gravity
7. Cell Theory
8. The Theories of Relativity
9. Plate Tectonic Theory
10. Quantum Mechanical Theory
11. String Theory
12. Unified Field Theory
SCIENCE THEORY
SCIENCE
• Not a guess, hunch, hypothesis, or
speculation.
VS.
EVERYDAY
• Is a point of view
• Is a belief system
• Based on the hypotheses and
evidence
• Theory may vary among the
different cultures.
• All knowledge must have peer
review and verification.
• Accepted knowledge does not need
peer review or verification.
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
1. What is a Scientific Theory?
2. Give an example of a Scientific Theory which has changed
over time.
3. What is the difference between a Scientific Theory and an
Everyday Theory? Give an example of both.
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
1. What is a Scientific Theory? A scientific explanation to a pattern in the
natural world
2. Give an example of a Scientific Theory which has changed over time.
Arrangement of the solar system (geocentric to heliocentric)
3. What is the difference between a Scientific Theory and an Everyday
Theory? Give an example of both. Science – based on experimentation
and research (Example: Newton’s Laws of Motion); Everyday – based
on thought and opinion (Example: Who may have committed a robbery).
WHO MADE THAT LAW?
LAW OF NATURE
• Based on nature
• Countless experiments have
been done to prove a natural
phenomenon.
• Laws of Nature have validity
everywhere.
• Laws of Nature can be changed
without penalty if new
information presented.
• EXAMPLES OF LAWS OF
NATURE:
– Newton’s Laws of Motion
– Relativity Theory
– Universal Law of Gravity
LAW OF SOCIETY
• Laws of Society are legislated.
– They are agreed upon and
enforced
• If evidence is presented which
shows the law has been broken, you
are punished.
• Laws of Society can be changed or
repealed.
• EXAMPLES OF LAWS OF
SOCIETY:
– Judicial System is based upon
Laws of Society
• Speed limits
• Amendments
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
1. Describe the difference between a Law of Nature and a Law of
Society. Give an example of each.
2. “What goes up, must come down.” Is this a law of Nature or Society?
Why?
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
1. Describe the difference between a Law of Nature and a Law of
Society. Give an example of each. Law of Nature is based on things
which occur in nature. Example: Universal Law of Gravity. Law of
Society is man-made and can be enforced with a penalty. Example:
Speed limits, if you break them, there is a consequence, such as a
ticket.
2. “What goes up, must come down.” Is this a law of Nature or Society?
Why? Law of Nature. Gravity is found in the environment; it is not
man-made.
WHAT’S IN A MODEL?
MODELS
• Models are a visual representation that help scientists study
something in more depth.
• Models can be used for the following:
– Study objects that are too small to see
– Study objects that are too large to see
– Help explain the past and the present
– Help predict the future
• There are 2 general types of models:
– Physical
– Mathematical
MODELS
PHYSICAL
• Models that you can touch
– Representation of an item they want to
study
• Models may have some limitations.
– Because we may not see an actual
picture, models are thoughts and ideas
from our heads.
– Scaling of ideas
• A flat wall map has a different scaling
then a round globe.
EXAMPLES
• Model of an atom
• Periodic Table of Elements
• Punnett Squares
• Magnets
• Solar System
• Crash-Test Dummies
MODELS
MATHEMATICAL
•
Made up of math equations and data
•
They allow you to calculate things.
•
Some calculations are very simple and utilize
simple equations.
•
Some calculations are very complex ,and
computers are needed to find the answer.
•
Graphs can be made from mathematical
calculations.
• These graphs help put numbers/data into a
visual representation.
EXAMPLES
• Force = Mass x Acceleration
• Speed = Distance/Time
• Kinetic Energy = ½ Mass x Velocity
• Density = Mass/Volume
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
1. List 3 reasons why scientists use models.
2. What are the two main types of scientific models?
3. Give an example of each model and a downfall for each.
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
1.
List 3 reasons why scientists use models. To see some items which are too
small; help predict the future; help represent the past.
2.
What are the two main types of scientific models? Physical and
Mathematical
3.
Give an example of each model and a downfall for each. Physical: Map,
downfall the distances are different on a globe then on a map;
Mathematical: Force = mass x acceleration, downfall a computer may be
relied upon to calculate the answer.