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Module 4: Theories and Laws

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  • Which describes "what happens"—a law or a theory?
    Law.
  • Scientists discover evidence that contradicts a theory. What should happen?
    The theory should be revised or replaced if evidence is strong enough.
  • Why are scientific models useful?
    They simplify complex systems and help make predictions.
  • Which is supported by more evidence: a hypothesis or a theory?
    Theory.
  • True or False: Scientific theories are guesses.
    False.
  • Explain how technology can improve scientific theories.
    New technology provides better observations, measurements and evidence.
  • A student says, "Evolution is only a theory." Explain why this statement is scientifically incorrect.
    In science, a theory is a thoroughly tested explanation supported by extensive evidence, making it one of the strongest forms of scientific knowledge.
  • Compare a scientific law, theory and model.
    Law = describes patterns, Theory = explains patterns, Model = represents a system
  • Explain how Newton's Law of Gravity and the Theory of General Relativity differ.
    Newton describes gravitational attraction mathematically; Einstein explains gravity as the curvature of spacetime.
  • Why are theories considered reliable?
    They are supported by extensive evidence and testing.
  • What is meant by predictive power in science?
    The ability to accurately predict future observations or results.
  • Can scientific theories change? Why?
    Yes, when new evidence becomes available.
  • Explain why experiments alone cannot prove a theory.
    Science relies on multiple independent investigations and many lines of evidence.
  • What makes a scientific explanation reliable?
    Evidence from repeated investigations.
  • True or False: A theory becomes a law once it is proven.
    False.
  • What is the main purpose of a scientific model?
    To represent or explain a system or process.
  • What is peer review?
    Evaluation of scientific work by other experts before publication.
  • Why must scientific explanations be testable?
    So evidence can support or reject them.
  • What role does evidence play in developing theories?
    It supports, refines or rejects explanations.
  • Why is collaboration important in developing theories?
    Multiple scientists provide evidence, ideas and independent testing.
  • Why is the Theory of Evolution still called a theory?
    Because "theory" in science means a well-supported explanation, not uncertainty.
  • Why do scientists use mathematical laws?
    To describe relationships and make quantitative predictions.
  • Name one limitation of scientific models.
    They do not perfectly represent reality.
  • Why do different scientific models exist for the same phenomenon?
    Different models emphasise different aspects or operate at different scales.
  • Why doesn't a theory become a law?
    They serve different purposes; theories explain while laws describe.
  • Why is repeatability important in science?
    It confirms results are reliable.
  • Give one example of a scientific law.
    Newton's Laws, Boyle's Law, Law of Conservation of Energy, Mendel's Laws.
  • Which comes first—a hypothesis or a theory?
    Hypothesis.
  • Why is peer review important?
    It improves accuracy, quality and credibility.
  • Explain one difference between a law and a theory.
    Laws describe patterns; theories explain why those patterns occur.
  • What is a scientific theory?
    A well-tested explanation for why natural phenomena occur.
  • What is a scientific law?
    A statement describing a pattern or relationship that is always observed under certain conditions.
  • Give one example of a scientific theory.
    Evolution, Cell Theory, Atomic Theory, Germ Theory.
  • Explain why scientific knowledge is considered tentative.
    It can change with new evidence.
  • Can scientific laws change?
    Yes, if new evidence shows they are incomplete or inaccurate.
  • Give an example where new evidence changed a scientific theory.
    Atomic theory, continental drift becoming plate tectonics, evolution, disease causes.
  • Why are models revised over time?
    New evidence improves their accuracy.
  • What is falsifiability?
    A claim must be capable of being tested and shown to be false.
  • Which explains "why it happens"—a law or a theory?
    Theory.
  • Why is scientific knowledge considered self-correcting?
    New evidence continually improves scientific understanding.
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