A hypothesis is a tentative explanation that is tested to determine if it is valid, while a theory is a well-tested and widely accepted view that explains certain observable facts. Once data has been gathered, scientists state a possible explanation called a scientific hypothesis to explain how or why things happen in the manner observed.

1. What is Scientific Inquiry 1.5

2. Hypothesis A tentative explanation that is tested to determine if it is valid.

3. Theory A well tested and widely accepted view that explains certain observable facts.

4. Key ConceptWhat is a hypothesis?Once data has been gathered, scientists try to explain how or why things happen in a manner observed. Scientists do this by stating a possible explanation called a scientific hypothesis.

5. Key ConceptWhat is a theory?A scientific theory is well tested and widely accepted by the scientific community and best explains certain observable facts.