Standard 3: The Role of Theories, Laws, Hypotheses, and Models

The terms that describe examples of scientific knowledge, for example: "theory," "law," "hypothesis" and "model" have very specific meanings and functions within science.
General Information
Number: SC.912.N.3
Title: The Role of Theories, Laws, Hypotheses, and Models
Type: Standard
Subject: Science
Grade: 912
Body of Knowledge: Nature of Science

Related Benchmarks

This cluster includes the following benchmarks.

Related Access Points

This cluster includes the following access points.

Independent

SC.912.N.3.In.1
Recognize that a scientific theory is developed by repeated investigations of many scientists and agreement on the likely explanation.
SC.912.N.3.In.2
Identify examples of scientific laws that describe relationships in the natural world, such as Newton’s laws.
SC.912.N.3.In.3
Identify ways models are used in the study of science.

Supported

SC.912.N.3.Su.1
Recognize that scientific theories are supported by evidence and agreement of many scientists.
SC.912.N.3.Su.2
Recognize examples of scientific laws that describe relationships in nature, such as Newton’s laws.
SC.912.N.3.Su.3
Recognize ways models are used in the study of science.

Participatory

SC.912.N.3.Pa.1
Recognize examples of cause-effect descriptions or explanations related to science.
SC.912.N.3.Pa.2
Recognize a model used in the context of one’s own study of science.

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