General Science
Gravity causes objects to fall toward Earth
FACT
(Can be measured and observed every time)
The Earth orbits the Sun
FACT
(Observed and measured)
Plants make their own food using sunlight
FACT
(Photosynthesis is observable and testable)
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction
FACT
(Newton's third law)
Germs cause diseases
FACT
(Germ Theory confirmed by experiments.)
Scientist believe the universe began with a big bang
THEORY
(Strong evidence, but explains how it began)
Climate change is influenced by human activity
THEORY
(Explains cause using data and models)
Evolution explains how species change over time
THEORY
(Explains patterns seen in fossils and DNA)
Light behaves as both a wave and a particle
THEORY
(Explains experimental results)
Vaccines help prevent disease
FACT
(Supported by medical data.)
All living things are made of cells
FACT
(Directly observed)
Continental drift explains how continents move over time
THEORY
(Explains why continents change position)
DNA carries genetic information
FACT
(Proven through experiments)
Heat always flows from hot objects to cold objects
FACT
(Second Law of Thermodynamics)
Dinosaurs went extinct because of an asteroid impact
THEORY
(Best explanation using evidence.)
Atoms are the smallest meaningful particle in existence
THEORY
(Smaller particles exist, but "meaningful" is subjective)
The moon effects ocean tides
FACT
(Observable tidal patterns)
Humans evolved from apes
THEORY
(Humans and apes share a common ancestor, not direct descent)
Electricity flows through metals because of free electrons
THEORY
(Explains how conductivity works.)
The brain controls thoughts, emotions, and movement
FACT
(Observed through neuroscience)
Energy cannot be created or destroyed only transferred
FACT
(Law of Conservation of energy)
There may be life on other planets
THEORY
(No direct evidence yet)
All traits are inherited only from parents
THEORY
(Partly false, environment also affects traits)
Time slows down at very high speeds
THEORY
( Based on Einstein’s relativity.)
Scientific knowledge can change over time
FACT
(New evidence updates explanations.)