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Explain that a scientific theory is the culmination of many scientific investigations drawing together all the current evidence concerning a substantial range of phenomena; thus, a scientific theory represents the most powerful explanation scientists have to offer.
Standard #: SC.912.N.3.1
Standard Information
General Information
Subject Area: Science
Grade: 912
Body of Knowledge: Nature of Science
Idea: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning
Standard: 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 - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved
Related Courses
Related Access Points
  • 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.Su.1 # Recognize that scientific theories are supported by evidence and agreement of many scientists.
  • SC.912.N.3.Pa.1 # Recognize examples of cause-effect descriptions or explanations related to science.
Related Resources
Lesson Plans
  • Opening New Windows to the Cosmos: Detecting Gravitational Waves # In this lesson, students will analyze an informational text that describes the first detection of gravitational waves. The text seeks to define gravitational waves, the technology used to detect them, and the impact this discovery may have on future scientific endeavors. This informational text is designed to support reading in the content area. The lesson plan includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, sample answers, and a writing rubric.
  • Cells Are Alive! # This lesson plan guides the student to examine the reasoning behind each of the tenets of the cell theory. Students will explore the formulation of cell theory and why this fundamental principle is important to biology by watching a video, conducting their own research, and discussing ideas with their peers.
Original Student Tutorial
  • Cool Case Files # Learn that a scientific theory is the culmination of many experiments and supplies the most powerful explanation that scientists have to offer with this interactive tutorial.
Text Resources
  • Gravitational Waves Detected 100 Years After Einstein's Prediction # This informational text resource is designed to support reading in the content area. The text describes the first observation of gravitational waves by scientists, confirming Albert Einstein's 100-year-old prediction. The article describes the phenomena of gravitational waves, the technology used to detect them, and the impact of this discovery on future scientific endeavors. The importance of this discovery as the culmination of 100 years of research is emphasized.
  • History Of Chemistry/Famous Chemists # This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. This article describes the history of chemistry through the scientific findings and major contributions of several important chemists. These chemists, including Joseph Priestly, Dmitri Mendeleev, and Niels Bohr, discovered properties of gases and other materials, developed the Law of Conservation of Mass and the periodic table, and contributed to the development of atomic theory.
Video/Audio/Animation
  • Evolving Ideas: Isn't evolution just a theory? # This video examines the vocabulary essential for understanding the nature of science and evolution and illustrates how evolution is a powerful, well-supported scientific explanation for the relatedness of all life. A clear definition and description of scientific theory is given.
Original Student Tutorials Science - Grades 9-12
  • Cool Case Files # Learn that a scientific theory is the culmination of many experiments and supplies the most powerful explanation that scientists have to offer with this interactive tutorial.
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