The word "theory takes on a more serious meaning when it comes to science. In every day conversation, people may use word "theory" to describe a guess. For example, my "theory" for why the Orlando Magic lose too many close games is that they don't have enough depth on the team to continue playing strong in the 4th quarter game after game. In science, the word "theory" takes on a much more important definition. A scientific theory is comprehensive and well substantiated. It is based on large amounts of data and observations that have been collected over time. Scientific theories can be tested, and may be modified based on additional research (see "Modifying Scientific Theories" below.) Scientific theories also allow scientists to make predictions.
SCIENTIFIC THEORY EXAMPLES:
THE ATOMIC THEORY: JOHN DALTON
This theory states that all matter is made of tiny particles, called atoms. The Atomic theory is supported by evidence from the way substances behave and react around us.
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HELIOCENTRIC THEORY: COPERNICUS 1543
In simple terms, this theory states that the Earth revolves around the sun.
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DARWIN'S THEORY OF EVOLUTION: Charles Darwin 1859
Darwin's theory of evolution states that many things needed to change in order for a creature to evolve. Something needs to change externally in the species environment in order for a species to evolve. Darwin also provided evidence on the theory of natural selection. Natural selection is nature's way of killing off the inferior species at that point in time. However the inferior species and the dominant species could swap places as their environment changes.
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EINSTEIN'S THEORY OF RELATIVITY: 1905, 1915
Einstein's theory of general relativity said that space and time are not absolutes, and that gravity is not simply the force applied to an object or mass. Instead, the gravity associated with any mass curves the space and time (called space-time) around it.
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Theory of Plate Tectonics: Alfred Wegener 1912, J. Tuzo Wilson 1960's
The Palate Tectonic Theory describes the movement of the outer layer of the Earth, and is supported by evidence gathered studying earthquakes and volcanoes, as well as properties of rocks found on the sea floor.
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SCIENTIFIC THEORY VIDEO
MODIFYING SCIENTIFIC THEORIES
Because scientists are always learning more about the natural world, it's possible that scientific theories can change. Scientific theories can evolve to explain new observations. New observations can lead to new ideas-- and the new observations are often due to improvements in technology.
NEW TECHNOLOGY leads to NEW OBSERVATIONS which result in MODIFIED SCIENTIFIC THEORIES
NEW TECHNOLOGY leads to NEW OBSERVATIONS which result in MODIFIED SCIENTIFIC THEORIES