Theories vs. Laws
What is a scientific law?
A scientific law is a statement that describes an observable phenomenon or a relationship in nature that always holds true under the same conditions.
What does "replication" mean in scientific research?
Replication refers to the process of conducting a study again, often by different researchers, to see if they obtain the same results.
What is emphasized in scientific explanations?
Scientific explanations emphasize evidence, logical consistency, and adherence to scientific principles.
How does science help us understand the world?
Science helps us understand the world by using observations, experiments, and evidence to explain natural phenomena.
What does the history of science show about scientific knowledge?
The history of science shows that scientific knowledge is not static; it evolves as new discoveries and evidence are made.
Provide an example of a scientific theory.
An example of a scientific theory is the theory of evolution, which explains how species change over time through natural selection.
Give an example of when a scientist would use repetition.
An example of repetition is a scientist performing the same experiment multiple times to ensure consistent results.
How do scientific principles support explanations?
An example of repetition is a scientist performing the same experiment multiple times to ensure consistent results.
How do scientific principles support explanations?
Scientific principles support explanations by providing established rules and patterns that help interpret observations and data.
Give an example of a major scientific discovery that changed our understanding of the world.
An example is the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming, which revolutionized medicine and our understanding of bacteria.
How do theories and laws differ in terms of explanation?
Theories explain why something happens, while laws describe what happens. Laws summarize observed behaviors, while theories provide the underlying reasons.
How does replication strengthen scientific claims?
Replication strengthens scientific claims by confirming results across different experiments and researchers, reinforcing reliability.
What role do models play in scientific explanations?
Models play a role in scientific explanations by representing complex systems or phenomena, allowing for better understanding and predictions.
Give an example of how a scientific idea changed with new evidence.
An example is the change from the geocentric model (Earth-centered) to the heliocentric model (Sun-centered) as new evidence emerge
How have societal changes influenced scientific progress?
Societal changes, such as technological advancements or cultural shifts, have influenced scientific progress by changing priorities and funding.
Why can a scientific theory change over time?
A scientific theory can change over time due to new evidence or better explanations that emerge from research and experimentation.
What is the key difference between replication and repetition?
The key difference is that replication involves different researchers conducting the same experiment, while repetition involves the same researcher performing the experiment multiple times.
Why is logical consistency important in science?
Logical consistency is important in science because it ensures that conclusions drawn from experiments and observations are coherent and valid.
Why is it important for scientists to remain open to new evidence?
It is important for scientists to remain open to new evidence to ensure that scientific understanding evolves and improves over time.
Why is studying the history of science important for understanding current scientific practices?
Studying the history of science is important for understanding current practices and the context in which scientific ideas developed.
Can a law become a theory? Explain your answer.
No, a law cannot become a theory. Laws are descriptive and do not change, while theories are explanatory and can evolve with new evidence.
Why is it important for experiments to be replicated by different scientists?
The key difference is that replication involves different researchers conducting the same experiment, while repetition involves the same researcher performing the experiment multiple times.
Describe how theories contribute to scientific explanations.
Theories contribute to scientific explanations by offering comprehensive frameworks that explain a wide range of observations and phenomena based on evidence
How do scientists use evidence to form conclusions?
Theories contribute to scientific explanations by offering comprehensive frameworks that explain a wide range of observations and phenomena based on evidence.
Describe a historical figure in science who changed our understanding based on new evidence.
A historical figure is Galileo Galilei, whose observations led to a better understanding of planetary motion and challenged existing beliefs based on new evidence.