Recognize and explain the difference between theories and laws and give several examples of scientific theories and the evidence that supports them.
General Information
Subject Area: Science
Grade: 7
Body of Knowledge: Nature of Science
Idea: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning
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 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning
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More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved
Assessed: Yes
Test Item Specifications
-
Item Type(s):
This benchmark may be assessed using:
MC
item(s)
Also Assesses - Clarification :
Students will explain the difference between theories and laws.
Students will identify examples of theories and/or laws.
Students will explain why theories may be modified but are rarely discarded. - Content Limits :
Items addressing scientific theories and/or laws are limited to those found in the middle school science benchmarks, such as law of universal gravitation, law of superposition, theory of plate tectonics, atomic theory, law of conservation of mass, law of conservation of energy, cell theory, and the scientific theory of evolution. - Stimulus Attributes :
None specified - Response Attributes :
None specified - Prior Knowledge :
Items may require the student to apply science knowledge described in the NGSSS from lower grades. This benchmark requires prerequisite knowledge from SC.6.N.3.2 and SC.6.N.3.3.
SC.6.N.3.1 Recognize and explain that a scientific theory is a well-supported and widely accepted explanation of nature and is not simply a claim posed by an individual. Thus, the use of the term theory in science is very different than how it is used in everyday life.
SC.8.N.3.2 discarded. Explain why theories may be modified but are rarel
Sample Test Items (1)
- Test Item #: Sample Item 1
- Question: A timeline of some models of atoms throughout history is shown below. These models have contributed to the formation of the atomic theory.
Which statement best summarizes the development of the atomic theory over time?
- Difficulty: N/A
- Type: MC: Multiple Choice
Related Courses
This benchmark is part of these courses.
2002070: M/J Comprehensive Science 2 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2002080: M/J Comprehensive Science 2, 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))
2001020: M/J Earth/Space Science, Advanced (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))
2003020: M/J Physical Science, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
7820016: Access M/J Comprehensive Science 2 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 and beyond (current))
2002085: M/J Comprehensive Science 2 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))
Related Access Points
Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
SC.7.N.3.In.1: Identify that scientific theories are explanations and laws describe relationships, and both are supported by evidence.
SC.7.N.3.Su.1: Recognize that scientific theories and laws are supported by evidence.
SC.7.N.3.Pa.1: Recognize that people use science to solve problems.
Related Resources
Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.
Lesson Plans
Original Student Tutorial
Professional Development
Original Student Tutorials Science - Grades 9-12
The Main Event: Scientific Theories vs. Scientific Laws:
Learn to recognize and explain the difference between scientific theories and scientific laws in this interactive tutorial. You'll also explore several examples of scientific theories and the evidence that supports them.
Student Resources
Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.
Original Student Tutorial
The Main Event: Scientific Theories vs. Scientific Laws:
Learn to recognize and explain the difference between scientific theories and scientific laws in this interactive tutorial. You'll also explore several examples of scientific theories and the evidence that supports them.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Parent Resources
Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.