The document discusses the differences between scientific theories and laws. A theory attempts to explain how or why something happens and can contain multiple hypotheses, while a law is a statement that reliably predicts patterns or events in nature but does not explain why. Both theories and laws are based on repeated observations and can be modified or rejected if new evidence is discovered. The document uses examples like Einstein's work and cell theory to illustrate these concepts.

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Theory vs. Law Review
1. What example does the author (article)
use to show whether or not a theory
becomes a law?
• “So just as houses don’t become
bricks, theories don’t become
laws. Both are important, but
they tell us very different things.”
2. What is a theory based on? (textbook)
• “A scientific theory is based on repeated
observations and scientific investigations.”
3. What is a scientific law? (textbook)
• “A scientific law describes a pattern or an
event in nature that is always true.”
4. What can happen if a hypothesis is well‐supported?
(textbook)
• A well‐supported hypothesis can contribute
to a theory or a law.
5. What happens if new observations are
found that do not follow a scientific law?
(textbook)
• “If many new observations do not follow
the law, the law is rejected.”

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6. What can happen if a theory has a flaw
or new information is discovered that does
not support a theory? (article & book)
• “If new information does not support a
scientific theory, the theory will be
modified or rejected.”” (book)
• “Scientists would examine the new
evidence, and see if there was a way to
adjust the theory so that the new evidence
fit.” (article)
7. How does Einstein explain the way
scientists work? (article)
• “No amount of experimentation can ever
prove me right; a single experiment can
prove me wrong.”” – Albert Einstein
• Until evidence goes against the existing
laws and theories, they continue to be
accepted.
3. What is the difference between scientific
theories and laws?
Theory:
• The best explanation of
observations or events
• Attempts to explain
Law:
 A statement or equation
that reliably predicts
patterns or events in nature
“how” or “why”
something happens
• More complex than laws &
can contain several
supported hypotheses
• Considered universally true
– does not answer “why”
questions
• Usually based on 1 well‐supported
hypothesis that states that
something will happen
What is the difference between scientific
theories and laws?
Both (theory & law):
• Based on many observations
• Can be modified or rejected with new info.
I l d ll dh h
• Includes well‐supported hypotheses
Contributing Scientists to
Cell Theory
Scientists (in order) Contribution (what they
discovered)
Robert Hooke
Built a microscope & looked at
cork; noticed small “openings”
(cells)
Schleiden Looked at plant cells (noticed
they are similar to animal cells)
Schwann Studied animal cells (noticed they
are similar to plant cells)
Virchow Proposed that all cells come from
preexisting cells
1. What is cell theory?
All living things
have cells
Cell theory
Cells are the
smallest unit of
life
All cells come
from preexisting
cells

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Definition of Cell
A cell is the smallest unit that is
capable of performing life
functions.
6. What attempts to predict events in
nature under certain conditions?
A. Scientific theory
B. Scientific model
C. Scientific law
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A. B. C. D.
D. Scientific hypothesis
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7. What attempts to explain why
something happens in nature?
A. Scientific theory
B. Scientific model
C. Scientific law
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A. B. C. D.
D. Scientific hypothesis
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8. Which of the following do scientific
theories and laws have in common?
A. Both try to explain why something
happens
B. Both try to predict events in nature
C. Both are complex and based on several
0% 0% 0% 0%
A. B. C. D.
hypotheses
D. Both can be rejected
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