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NS.10.B.2 Compare and contrast hypotheses, theories, and laws.
The scientific method requires that one can test a scientific
hypothesis which is a tentative explanation for an observation,
phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further
investigation.
A scientific theory is a well-supported explanation of some
aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have
been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment.
Such fact-supported theories are not "guesses" but reliable
accounts of the real world.
A scientific law is a statement that describes the behavior of
some particular thing or set of things within the natural world,
with an adequately thorough history of successful scientific
replication. The term "scientific law" is traditionally associated
with the natural sciences and hence the term is used
interchangeably with the term physical laws.
NS.10.B.3 Distinguish between a scientific theory and the term “theory”
used in general conversation
Even though the words "hypothesis" and "theory" are often used
synonymously in common and informal usage, a scientific
hypothesis is not the same as a scientific theory. A Hypothesis is
never to be stated as a question, but always as a statement with a
testable explanation following it. It is not to be a question because
it states what he/she thinks or believes will occur.
"It's only a theory"
In ordinary conversation, the word "theory" conveys an opinion, a
conjecture, or a supposition. But in science, the term has a much more
limited meaning. A scientific theory is an attempt to explain some aspect of
the natural world in terms of empirical evidence and observation. It
commonly draws upon established principles and knowledge with the aim of
extending them in a logical and consistent way that enables one to make
useful predictions. All scientific theories are tentative and subject to being
tested and modified. As theories become more mature, they grow into more
organized bodies of knowledge that enable us to understand and predict a
wider range of phenomena. Examples of such theories are quantum theory,
Einstein's theories of relativity, and evolution.
Scientific theories fall into two categories:
1. Theories that have been shown to be incorrect, usually because they
are not consistent with new observations;
2. All other theories
In other words
 Theories cannot be proven to be correct; there is always the possibility
that further observations will disprove the theory.
 A theory that cannot be refuted or falsified is not a scientific theory.
NS.10.B.4 Summarize the guidelines of science:
 explanations are based on observations, evidence, and testing
 hypotheses must be testable
 understandings and/or conclusions may change with additional
empirical data: scientific knowledge must have peer review and
verification before acceptance
NS.12.B.1 Recognize that theories are scientific explanations that require
empirical data, verification, and peer review.
Empirical data are data that are produced by experiment or observation.
Peer review evaluation
Scientific journals use a process of peer review, in which scientists' manuscripts
are submitted by editors of scientific journals to (usually one to three) fellow
(usually anonymous) scientists familiar with the field for evaluation. The referees
may or may not recommend publication, publication with suggested
modifications, or, sometimes, publication in another journal. This serves to keep
the scientific literature free of unscientific or crackpot work, helps to cut down on
obvious errors, and generally otherwise improve the quality of the scientific
literature.
Verification occurs when the many scientist repeat the experiment with the
same basic findings/ conclusion.
NS.12.B.2 Understand that scientific theories may be modified or expanded
based on additional empirical data, verification, and peer review