SC.6.N.3.2

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Recognize and explain that a scientific law is a description of a specific relationship under given conditions in the natural world. Thus, scientific laws are different from societal laws.
General Information
Subject Area: Science
Grade: 6
Body of Knowledge: Nature of Science
Idea: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts
Big Idea: 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.
Date Adopted or Revised: 02/08
Content Complexity Rating: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
2002040: M/J Comprehensive Science 1 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2002050: M/J Comprehensive Science 1, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2001010: M/J Earth/Space Science (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2000010: M/J Life Science (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2000020: M/J Life Science, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2003010: M/J Physical Science (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
7820015: Access M/J Comprehensive Science 1 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
2002055: M/J Comprehensive Science 1 Accelerated Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2003030: M/J STEM Physical Science (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2002200: M/J STEM Environmental Science (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2001025: M/J STEM Astronomy and Space Science (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2000025: M/J STEM Life Science (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2001100: M/J Coastal Science 1 (Specifically in versions: 2022 and beyond (current))

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
SC.6.N.3.Pa.1: Observe and recognize a predictable cause-effect relationship related to a science topic.
SC.6.N.3.In.2: Identify examples of scientific laws (proven descriptions of nature), such as the law of gravity.
SC.6.N.3.Su.2: Recognize events that are based on scientific laws, such as the law of gravity.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Lesson Plans

All Laws are Not Created Equally:

In this one-day lesson, students will investigate Newton's First Law of Motion as they observe the spinning behaviors of uncooked and hardboiled eggs to consider what a scientific law is and how scientific laws are condition specific.

Type: Lesson Plan

Laws and Theories in Nature:

This lesson will begin with a presentation to discuss the major differences between hypotheses, theories and laws in science and society and identify several examples of laws and theories. The students will then go outside and make/write down/photograph examples of nature supporting these laws/theories.

Type: Lesson Plan

Societal Laws vs. Scientific Laws:

Students will complete a card sort activity to classify societal laws vs. scientific laws. Students will then read descriptions of scientific laws and identify the cause and effect relationship.

Type: Lesson Plan

Scientific vs. Societal Laws:

The students will first watch a brief video about "The War on Science." They will then view a PowerPoint titled "Scientific vs. Societal Laws" and engage in a class discussion about the differences between these two types of laws. In small groups, students will then read short passages and determine if they are scientific laws or societal laws.

Type: Lesson Plan

Original Student Tutorial

Scientific Laws:

Learn to identify the importance of scientific laws and how they are different from societal laws.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Original Student Tutorials Science - Grades K-8

Scientific Laws:

Learn to identify the importance of scientific laws and how they are different from societal laws.

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Original Student Tutorial

Scientific Laws:

Learn to identify the importance of scientific laws and how they are different from societal laws.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.