Scientific Theories
True or False? Explain your answer.
A scientific theory is a good guess about how something happens in nature.
False. A theory is NOT a guess. It is supported by a lot of evidence.
The most reliable scientific information is found in professional __________________.
scientific journals
What tool would I use if I wanted to pick up fragile butterfly wings to examine for an investigation?
tweezers
What are the two methods of scientific investigations?
Experiments and Field Work
Another word for fake science is...
pseudoscience
A theory must be supported by ___ and ties together many ___.
A theory must be supported by evidence and ties together many observations.
True or False? Explain your answer.
If you are wanting information about the planet Mars, then watching a TV show about it would be a reliable source.
False, because TV shows are made to entertain us, the information would not all be correct.
What tool would I use if I wanted to look at plant and animal cells up close?
microscope
Which method of investigation takes place in a controlled environment?
Experiments
If a scientist uses REASONING to solve problems, they are being...
logical
What happens to a theory if another scientist brings forth evidence that does not support your theory.
You will need to modify your theory to include the new evidence.
When a reliable source talks about how its evidence relates to a theory, it will not say the evidence proves the theory. Instead it will say the evidence ____ the theory or it _________ the theory.
When a reliable source talks about how its evidence relates to a theory, it will not say the evidence proves the theory. Instead it will say the evidence supports the theory or it does not support the theory.
What tool would I use if I wanted to look closely at an insect wing so that I can describe it in my notes?
magnifying glass
Which method of investigation would I complete if I were observing a local group of penguins to see how they relate within their habitat?
Field Work
Geology is another name for ...
Earth Science
Your scientist friend tells you he has proven his theory that all green caterpillars are friendly. Is he telling the truth? Why or why not?
No, because while he may have collected evidence to support his theory, theories can NOT be proven.
Give two reasons a scientific journal is a reliable source.
1. Articles are written and reviewed by scientists.
2. Information is checked and rechecked by experts in the same area.
What tool would I use if I wanted to look at the craters of the moon for my astronomy project?
telescope
If the tools I need for my investigation are a microscope, test tubes, and a bunsen burner, what method of investigation would I be doing?
experiment
Is the following statement an example of empirical evidence? Explain your answer.
The car had a maximum speed of 105 mph.
Yes it is empirical evidence. It is something you could test.
Give a good definition of a scientific theory. It must contain at least 3 key points.
A scientific theory is an explanation based on evidence.
It ties together many observations.
It can NOT be proven.
It can be changed/modified with new evidence.
Give two negative sides to scientific journals.
1. They are not easy to understand.
2. They contain difficult scientific words.
What tool would I use if I wanted to find the mass of a new rock that was found near a meteor crater?
balance scale
What are two things scientists need to consider before they choose the method of investigation they will use?
1. What are they studying
2. What tools are available that they will need
Give an example of empirical evidence about the weather.
Answer should have a fact about the weather that CAN be tested!