How Do You Explain The Difference Between Theory, Law, And A Fact?
• Ask the students to name some scientific theories. You will get some common answers like: • The theory of relativity: that the laws of physics are the same for all observers • The theory of evolution by natural selection: that the observed changes in species occur due to non-random selection of well adapted specimens over less well adapted specimens. • Big Bang theory: that the universe began as an infinitely small point that underwent expansion to form the universe as we know it today. • Define scientific theory for the students. A good definition could be like, “A scientific theory is a general statement intending to explain nature that is confirmed by all available evidence such that it can be used to predict new, as yet unobserved phenomena.” Importantly, a theory is worth very little if it doesn’t correctly predict all known evidence. Very importantly, theories are subject to changes as new evidence becomes available. Most theories that you will discuss in a high school science
