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Science 10 Explaining Scientific Theories Assignment: Home

At various turning points in human history, evidence has been used to create models of change

A scientific theory is an explanation for an observation that is supported by evidence.  A good scientific theory is based upon

  • Careful and reasonable examination of facts
  • Observation, experimentation and reasoning which has been tested and confirmed to predict natural phenomena

A law in science is a generalized rule to explain a body of observations in the form of a verbal or mathematical statement. Scientific laws imply a cause and effect between the observed elements and must always apply under the same conditions.

Introductory Video

Assignment Handout

Your presentation

Your presentation should include the following:  What is your Theory or Law?     Who proposed it and when?     Describe your theory so your classmates can understand     Explain your theory or law by using scientific evidence collected     Something you think is interesting about your topic     A reference list of valid sources in APA format     Your notes

Scientific Theories to choose from (only two people allowed per theory)

  • Plate Tectonic Theory
  • Cell Theory
  • Kinetic Molecular Theory
  • Theory of Natural Selection
  • Germ Theory
  • Atomic Theory
  • Gaia Theory
  • Law of Conservation of Matter and Energy
  • Law of Thermodynamics
  • Laws of Motion
  • Laws of Planetary Motion
  • Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle
  • Photon theory of light
  • Theory of Homeostasis
  • Theory of Radioactivity
  • Theory of Electromagnetism
  • Theory of Relativity
  • Binary Stars
  • Cepheid variable stars
  • Hertzsprung-Russell diagram
  • Pauli Exclusion Principle (focus on applications to Astrophysics)
  • Gravitational Lensing effect
  • Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation
  • Blackbody radiation
  • Gravitational Waves
  • Hawking Radiation
  • Theory of Special Relativity
  • Theory of General Relativity
  • Dark Matter
  • Dark Energy
  • Olbers' paradox.
  • Hubble’s Law
  • Drake’s equation – search of extra-terrestrial life

Citation Video