Scientists use Science theories are Theories are explanations for Theories and laws provide explanations in Science Models, Laws, drawings, based on a body of observable phenomena. science, but theories do not, with time, become Mechanisms, and sketches, and evidence and many Science theories are based on a laws or facts. Theories Explain models as a tests. body of evidence developed over A scientific theory is a substantiated explanation Natural way to Science explanations time. of some aspect of the natural world, based on a communicate describe the Laws are regularities or body of facts that has been repeatedly confirmed Phenomena ideas. mechanisms for natural mathematical descriptions of through observation and experiment, and Scientists events. natural phenomena. validated by the science community before it is search for A hypothesis is used by scientists accepted. If new evidence is discovered that the cause and as an idea that may contribute theory does not accommodate, the theory is effect important new knowledge for the generally modified in light of this new evidence. relationships to evaluation of a scientific theory. Models, mechanisms, and explanations explain natural The term as used in collectively serve as tools in the development of a “theory” events. science is very different from the scientific theory. common use outside of science. Laws are statements or descriptions of the relationships observable phenomena. Scientists use hypotheses to develop and test theories and explanations. Understandings about the Nature of Science (Crosscutting Concepts) Categories Pre-K–2 3–5 Middle School High School Science Is a Science Science is both a Science is both a body of knowledge Science is both a body of knowledge that represents a Way of knowledge body of knowledge and the processes and practices used current understanding of natural systems and the Knowing helps us know and processes that to add to that body of knowledge. processes used to refine, elaborate, revise, and extend about the world. add new Science knowledge is cumulative this knowledge. knowledge. and many people, from many Science is a unique way of knowing and there are other Science is a way of generations and nations, have ways of knowing. knowing that is contributed to science knowledge. Science distinguishes itself from other ways of knowing used by many Science is a way of knowing used through use of empirical standards, logical arguments, people. by many people, not just scientists. and skeptical review. Science knowledge has a history that includes the refinement of, and changes to, theories, ideas, and beliefs over time.
Science Models, Laws, Mechanisms, and Theories Explain Natural Phenomena Scientists use drawings, sketches, and models as a way to communicate ideas. Scientists search for cause and effect relationships to explain natural events. Science theories are based on a body of evidence and many tests. Science explanations describe the mechanisms for natural events. Theories are explanations for observable phenomena. Science theories are based on a body of evidence developed over time. Laws are regularities or mathematical descriptions of natural phenomena. A hypothesis is used by scientists as an idea that may contribute important new knowledge for the evaluation of a scientific theory. The term “theory” as used in science is very different from the common use outside of science. Theories and laws provide explanations in science, but theories do not, with time, become laws or facts. A scientific theory is a substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that has been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment, and validated by the science community before it is accepted. If new evidence is discovered that the theory does not accommodate, the theory is generally modified in light of this new evidence. Models, mechanisms, and explanations collectively serve as tools in the development of a scientific theory. Laws are statements or descriptions of the relationships observable phenomena. Scientists use hypotheses to develop and test theories and explanations. Understandings about the Nature of Science (Crosscutting Concepts) Categories Pre-K–2 3–5 Middle School High School Science Is a Way of Knowing Science knowledge helps us know about the world. Science is both a body of knowledge and processes that add new knowledge. Science is a way of knowing that is used by many people. Science is both a body of knowledge and the processes and practices used to add to that body of knowledge. Science knowledge is cumulative and many people, from many generations and nations, have contributed to science knowledge. Science is a way of knowing used by many people, not just scientists. Science is both a body of knowledge that represents a current understanding of natural systems and the processes used to refine, elaborate, revise, and extend this knowledge. Science is a unique way of knowing and there are other ways of knowing. Science distinguishes itself from other ways of knowing through use of empirical standards, logical arguments, and skeptical review. Science knowledge has a history that includes the refinement of, and changes to, theories, ideas, and beliefs over time.
AppendixVIII.docx